It’s officially roster-trimming SZN as the 53-man rosters are due at 4 pm EST this afternoon. While the free agent pool now overflows with roster cuts, NFL trade rumors quietly lurk in the background. Yes, adding a WR via free agency is a bit easier and less messy, but it’s important to remember, these guys were cut for a reason.
Whatever the reason is, we digress. Currently deep in the bowels of the offseason, teams are finalizing their 53-man rosters hoping they get value with every player they keep. However, sometimes the answer isn’t on the roster or available in free agency. Enter the crazy world of trade rumors.
According to NFL Insider, Jordan Schultz, multiple teams have contacted the Houston Texans about their third-year WR, John Metchie III.
John Metchie has had an interesting and underwhelming start to his young career. The former 2022 second-round pick out of Alabama missed the entirety of his first NFL season due to a leukemia diagnosis found during rookie camp. Although he was unsure if he’d ever take the field again, the former Alabama standout came back last season and appeared in 16 games.
Suffice it to say, Metchie had an underwhelming ‘welcome back’ season. Metchie recorded 16 receptions for 158 yards. This preseason, he looked more like his former self. He looked like the WR worthy of an early draft pick. He posted 10 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Even with the progress and potential, Metchie could find himself on the way out. The Texans could struggle to find opportunities for their young stud receiver. Their wide receiver room is crowded with Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell occupying the top-three spots on the depth chart.
Metchie is sure to garner trade interest after a strong preseason. The Texans might play the ‘accumulate assets card’ while Metchie gets a better opportunity elsewhere. If the Texans are picking up, the Ravens should call.
The Ravens should give the Texans a call to discuss asking price
The Ravens need another receiver. They have second-year sensation Zay Jones and perennial breakout candidate Rashod Bateman as their top two options, but they could upgrade the slot. Nelson Agholor was brought in this offseason to help their depth, but he’s clearly viewed as a temporary option given his one-year contract.
Metchie has a couple of advantages over Agholor. His age is one, his contract is another, and so is his potential. At this stage of his career, the league knows who Agholor is. There is a whole universe of unknown about Metchie.
What would the asking price be for Metchie? It’s tough to say. While he was a second-round pick, expectations are the Texans won’t seek a second in return. The Texans might try a third, but there’s reason to believe a fourth or fifth pick could get the trade done. Regardless, it’s tough to gauge the Texans’ trade value on a 24-year-old talented receiver.
As the Ravens gear up for their first game of the season against the Chiefs, they should bring with them all the firepower they can. Metchie could do just that. He could transform this offense into a two-way juggernaut serving as a reliable target for Lamar Jackson. Whatever the outcome, the Ravens owe a call to the Texans to see if they can get an easy deal done. If it’s a reasonable offer, the flock should run with it and integrate him into the offense immediately.
