The Houston Texans were highly active in the wide receiver trade market during the offseason, ultimately landing Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills. However, before finalizing that deal, their initial target was Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers, who was eventually traded to the Chicago Bears.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Texans were determined to acquire an experienced veteran wide receiver to support their rookie quarterback, C.J. Stroud. “The belief in league circles is the Texans were committed to getting an established veteran receiver this offseason,” Fowler reported. “They first tried with Keenan Allen, who was traded from the Los Angeles Chargers to the Chicago Bears on March 14. A source close to Allen said the Texans got ‘very close’ to dealing for the receiver.”
Though the Texans were unsuccessful in securing Allen, they managed to acquire Diggs, who has performed well in the early stages of the season. Diggs has tallied 25 catches for 233 yards and two touchdowns, providing a reliable target for Stroud. On the other hand, Allen has struggled with injuries and has only recorded seven catches for 48 yards so far with the Bears.
In hindsight, Houston likely isn’t disappointed with how things unfolded, given Diggs’ strong impact on their offense. The trade has worked out favorably, and Diggs will face his former Buffalo Bills team in Week 5, possibly with a point to prove.
