The Houston Texans could be in the market for another starting wide receiver this offseason as veteran Stefon Diggs is scheduled to hit free agency next month. The Texans acquired Diggs from the Buffalo Bills last offseason hoping that he would be their No. 1 option and take their offense to new heights.
However, Diggs’ tenure with the Texans only lasted eight games as he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 8 against the Indianapolis Colts. Through the early portion of the offseason, the Texans have said all the right things about Diggs as a player and would be open to the vet returning.
Nonetheless, the Texans also have their eyes on another veteran receiver, which is not good news for Diggs’ future with the team. According to Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, the Texans and Washington Commanders have had significant interest in trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Sources: The #Commanders and #Texans have had significant interest in trading for #49ers WR Deebo Samuel, with talks progressing in recent days, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 28, 2025
Other teams, including the Steelers and Broncos, have also checked in, but Houston and Washington are… pic.twitter.com/JJihz1Soj6
Schultz adds that other teams have checked in, but Washington and Houston are “believed to be the most aggressive” for Samuel’s services.
It’s not completely shocking to see that the Texans are also pursuing Samuel, who requested a trade out of San Francisco and is looking for a fresh start. Samuel is younger than Diggs as he’s 29 years old, while Diggs is 31.
However, the 49ers receiver is entering the last year of his deal and coming off a disappointing 2024 season. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans was asked about Samuel being available this week at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Ryans replied, “Always interested in good players, and he’s a good player.” Even though Diggs is the more polished and explosive wide receiver, Samuel can do a little bit of everything on the field, which might be enticing to new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
Samuel can line up in the slot, on the outside, and make plays out of the backfield. His best year as a pro was in 2021, where he recorded 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. With NFL free agency only weeks away, we’ll see if the Texans can seal the deal with Samuel, or if they go back to Diggs, who is looking to rebound after an abrupt end to his 2024 season.