The Houston Texans' first preseason game is right around the corner as the organization tries to take a leap toward becoming legitimate contenders in a loaded AFC. With one of the best young foundations in the NFL, this is a team that expects to win its division once again, but all that matters is whether or not they can overcome the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens of the world.
They made some significant changes in the offseason, firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and bringing in offensive pieces like Nick Chubb, Christian Kirk, and a pair of rookie wideouts in Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins.
It's an exciting time, yet it's become clear that one once-promising running back is on the trade block as the calendar flips to August.
Dameon Pierce runs like Scrappy-Doo pic.twitter.com/ssPT3UrMzt
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) August 20, 2023
Texans RB Dameon Pierce Is on Trade Block Entering August
2022 fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce, who rushed for 939 yards and caught 30 passes during his rookie campaign, is officially on the trade block. It's worth noting that he's on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list, so any deal would have to come later in the month. Regardless, it feels likely that general manager Nick Caserio is considering making some sort of deal revolving around the 25-year-old back out of Florida.
With Mixon, Chubb, and fourth-round rookie Woody Marks, Houston has to feel comfortable with the other players at the position. It's been telegraphed for weeks that Pierce's time on the roster is nearing its conclusion. He's on the final year of his contract and has shown enough promise that a running back-needy team may consider sending Houston a 7th-round selection to earn his services.
The elephant in the room is Mixon's uncertain injury status. He's got a chance to be ready for Week 1 and if the team is comfortable with his progress, there's no reason to keep Pierce around. He's a cut candidate if Caserio can't find a trade partner, particularly given Marks' exciting promise.
Pierce has dealt with injuries throughout his career, being limited to just 40 carries over 11 games in 2024, which admittedly hurts his value. Regardless, there could be room for a deal if the Texans are willing to accept a lesser deal.
At this point, it's just a matter of time before Pierce is no longer on the roster. By the end of the month, it's quite possible that he'll already be on his new team trying to earn snaps.