Former Patriots star presses Texans to pick up a couple guys before NFL trade deadline

The Houston Texans suffered their second major loss to the New York Jets in two years. Last year, they lost the game 30-6. This year, they lost by 21-13. Although they lost, one could argue that the final score improved. However, it wasn't enough to persuade former Patriots standout Rodney Harrison to ignore the loss.

Speaking on "Pro Football Talk," the analyst pressed the team to make some moves on the trade market before the door shuts until March.

"But when I'm looking at Houston, [they] are in trouble. I don't think we're talking about that enough. They look bad. ... I just think that this team is in trouble with DeMeco Ryans. He's got to add a couple more guys or this team is going to be in trouble," Harrison said. [00:00:49][48.7] PFT

Houston lost Stefon Diggs in Week 8 for the season due to the dreaded ACL tear. Before that injury took place, the team lost Nico Collins and Dameon Pierce. Their left guard is also injured, per ESPN.

At this point, it would be fair to describe the Texans as a beat-up football team. While they have taken steps to load up on stars this summer, the team risks having fewer stars in Week 9 than they did in Week 9 of 2023.

Exploring last-second trade options for the Houston Texans

Tee Higgins at Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns - Source: Imagn

Houston is hurting at wide receiver between the injuries to Stefon Diggs and Nico Collins. As such, bolstering the wide receiver room is likely best going forward.

While there has been a run on receivers in the past couple of weeks, two names still remain potentially available. Tee Higgins and the Cincinnati Bengals are still at odds over Higgins' next deal. If the Bengals don't believe in him and are ready to move on, the Texans are an option.

The Cincinnati Bengals will believe they are sabotaging one of the likely playoff opponents for the next few years, while the Texans likely will believe they got a steal. It would be a conversational topic, but it is an option.

Another option is Keenan Allen, who hasn't worked out well with the Bears, logging just 161 yards this season. One can point to his age, but one can point to too many mouths to feed on the Bears' offense.

Allen earned 1,243 yards last season, so he might be a quality option to fill in for the Texans. By trading Allen to an AFC team, the Chicago Bears avoid facing him in the playoffs in most possible scenarios.

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Pro Football Talk," and H/T Sportskeeda.