Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie is one of the top trade targets of the 2024 NFL Draft. While the incoming class of young prospects is always the highlight, the three-day event consistently leads to a few veterans switching teams. Last year, D’Andre Swift joined the Philadelphia Eagles after the Detroit Lions used a first-round pick on Jahmyr Gibbs. This year, Metchie could be the odd man out in Houston.
A second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Metchie’s rookie season ended before it ever truly began thanks to a cancer diagnosis. While he returned to the field in 2023, he struggled to establish a role behind Nico Collins and rookie sensation Tank Dell. Following the Stefon Diggs trade, it’s hard to envision John Metchie finding the field behind three proven playmakers. Suddenly, Houston has an abundance of wide receiver talent and could deal their former second-round pick to one of the many teams looking for more reliable pass-catchers.
Nobody knows what John Metchie could do with more targets, but his current quarterback can’t stop praising the trade target. C.J. Stroud recently spoke glowingly about Metchie and seems to expect big things from the wide receiver.
#Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on John Metchie III 'Great football player, but also a great person. Metchie is looking amazing. Everything he puts on the field won't be a surprise.' @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 15, 2024
C.J. Stroud Praises John Metchie Amidst Trade Rumors
The Houston Texans have not publicly started to shop John Metchie, but it’s no secret that they’ll have to trade one of their current receivers. The fact of the matter is that all four players cannot receive the targets they deserve, especially since Dalton Schultz is still in the picture. While the 2024 NFL Draft class is overflowing with talented pass-catchers, some teams should be willing to take a risk on a high-upside player like Metchie.
The Texans won’t be able to get a second-round pick in a John Metchie trade, but they should find some suitors. Nobody should blame Metchie for struggling to carve out a role in his first year back from a cancer diagnosis. Needless to say, this is a difficult recovery and the Alabama product probably needed a year to knock off the rust. Maybe his skills won’t translate, but for a Day 3 pick, he’d be well worth the risk for these five teams.
Possible Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers are addressing their wide receiver problem by throwing several darts and hoping something sticks. Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson are a solid duo, but they could use some young blood. While they probably will draft a wideout with one of their second-round picks, they should also consider a John Metchie trade. Thielen and Johnson are not long-term answers at the position, so Metchie could quickly carve out a long-term role with Bryce Young.
Los Angeles Chargers
After parting ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers must rebuild their wide receiver depth chart from scratch. John Metchie probably won’t ever be a 100-reception receiver, but he can provide some competition for the underwhelming duo of Quentin Johnston and Josh Palmer. With Jim Harbaugh reportedly targeting an offensive tackle in the first round, Metchie might be the most talented receiver on this roster next year.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are stuck with Derek Carr for at least one more season, and the former second-round pick isn’t good enough to drag a flawed roster to Super Bowl contention. Unfortunately, New Orleans lacks the financial resources to fix all of their roster flaws. With the team likely prioritizing the offensive line early, they could try and trade for John Metchie as a third receiver. After all, the Saints have four fifth-round picks and shouldn’t mind parting ways with one of those selections.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens must replace multiple departed starters to make their long-awaited return to the Super Bowl. With Odell Beckham gone, somebody must step up opposite Zay Flowers. Seeing as Baltimore also needs help at guard, offensive tackle, edge defender, linebacker, cornerback, and safety, they probably can’t justify a heavy investment in a wide receiver. What they could do, however, is make a low-risk trade for John Metchie and have him battle for snaps with Rashod Bateman.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are the kings of the AFC, so a potential contender like the Texans might not be willing to trade John Metchie to their biggest threat in the conference. However, if Houston is willing to negotiate, Kansas City makes all the sense in the world. Nobody knows what will happen with Rashee Rice, and somebody will need to catch passes in this offense. Metchie might not be a superstar, but it’s hard to envision him being worse than Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
