The Houston Texans executed a trade for former Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek in a move that could spell the end of the John Metchie Era. The Rams planned on releasing the wide receiver, but Houston came in at the last second to spring a deal for the third-year pro. In total, Houston received Skowronek and the Rams 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
This minimal investment means Skowronek is not guaranteed to make the Week 1 roster. However, his presence adds another body to an already crowded wide receiver room. Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell are entrenched atop the depth chart, leaving Metchie, Skowronek, Robert Woods, and Noah Brown battling for depth roles. Every player can’t make the 53-man roster, and John Metchie is the most likely trade target.
John Metchie A Likely Trade Candidate After Ben Skowronek Acquisition
Metchie joined the NFL as a second-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, his rookie season ended before it truly began thanks to a cancer diagnosis. The Alabama product returned to the field in 2023 but struggled to impact the passing game. In total, Metchie recorded just 16 receptions for 158 yards and no touchdowns on 30 targets.
This production isn’t much to write home about, but some teams should be interested in a John Metchie trade. It’s hard to blame a guy for struggling in his first season back from cancer, but Houston’s loaded receiver depth chart means he won’t see the field without multiple injuries. Good receivers are hard to find in the NFL, and Metchie is easily worth a dart throw for the following five organizations.
Possible Destinations
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are actively looking for a wide receiver to pair with George Pickens. While they’re aiming for proven guys like Courtland Sutton and DK Metcalf, they should be happy to land a low-risk, medium-reward trade target like John Metchie. Who knows what Metchie can do at the NFL level, but it shouldn’t be too hard for him to earn snaps ahead of Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scotty Miller.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys must do something to improve their roster in 2024. After failing to make it out of the Wild Card round, Dallas has gotten notably worse while the division rival Philadelphia Eagles have covered up most of their weaknesses. With most of the good free agents gone, the Cowboys should consider a John Metchie trade. CeeDee Lamb is one of the best receivers in the game, but this team could use another reliable set of hands. Brandin Cooks is a shell of his old self, and Metchie holds plenty of promise.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are throwing as many darts as humanly possible at the wide receiver position and seeing what sticks. The team selected three receivers during the NFL Draft, signed DJ Chark, and brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a free agent visit. Their work might not be done though, as they could trade for John Metchie. This fit makes plenty of sense, as he’s the only player aside from Ladd McConkey and (arguably) Quentin Johnston to have any upside in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have needs throughout the roster and no way to address all of them. With money at a premium, New Orleans should consider a John Metchie trade. This team could use another receiver to pair with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, as Derek Carr is not the type of quarterback capable of elevating his supporting cast. Carr can lead a team to the playoffs, but not without a strong supporting cast.
Carolina Panthers
On paper, the Panthers have two reliable receivers in Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen along with a high-risk, high-reward prospect in first-round pick Xavier Legette. These players might be able to support Bryce Young, but Carolina shouldn’t be done quite yet. With Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall showing nothing, the Panthers could improve their depth and trade for John Metchie. Johnson is a free agent after the season and Thielen isn’t getting any younger, so Metchie could spend 2024 auditioning for a starting role in 2025.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
