Multiple NFL teams have reached out to the Houston Texans to inquire if wide receiver John Metchie III is available for trade, according to a report from Jordan Schultz. The Texans are extremely deep at receiver, with Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell serving as the starters in 11 personnel. There's competition for the fourth and fifth spots as well, with Robert Woods and Noah Brown pushing Metchie for rotational playing time.
Metchie was productive throughout the preseason. The former Alabama standout recorded 10 catches for 100 yards and a touchdown in the exhibition games. Metchie is still entering the third year of his team-friendly rookie contract. We've identified three potential landing spots via trade.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are expecting to compete for a playoff spot in the NFC this season. That's precisely why they signed veteran starting quarterback Kirk Cousins to a lucrative four-year contract. The Falcons possess some intriguing weapons on offense, but they're still a little thin at receiver.
Drake London is a legitimate go-to wideout, but the Falcons have questions at the position behind him. Darnell Mooney is an intriguing bounce-back candidate but is far from a surefire producer. Is Ray-Ray McCloud III the third receiver in 11 personnel? Metchie would represent a big-time upgrade for offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, who was used to helping oversee an offense with Sean McVay in Los Angeles that had multiple passing-game outlets.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have a lot going on at receiver, though there's more quantity than quality. Rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette is positioned for an immediate big-time role. New general manager Dan Morgan acquired Diontae Johnson via trade earlier this summer and the aging Adam Thielen is also still present, as are Jonathan Mingo and Terrace Marshall Jr.
But as the Panthers attempt to develop Bryce Young into a franchise quarterback, can they really allow the likes of Thielen and Marshall (who may get cut) prevent them from acquiring a wideout like Metchie with built-in chemistry with their young QB? Young's first season as Alabama's starter was in 2021 when Metchie recorded 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Panthers have invested so much in Young's development and success. Morgan and head coach Dave Canales should leave no stone unturned. Acquiring Metchie would provide Young with more comfortable surroundings.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders surprisingly traded former first-rounder Jahan Dotson to their division rival Philadelphia Eagles last week. That trade didn't necessarily signal the Commanders are settled at WR2 opposite Terry McLaurin though. It had more to do with Dotson no longer being an ideal fit for Washington's changing culture.
Dotson’s departure will afford more opportunities to first-year pass-catchers Ben Sinnott and Luke McCaffrey. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels could use another option, one with NFL experience. General manager Adam Peters acquired three picks from the Eagles in the Dotson deal. Flipping a selection to Houston in exchange for Metchie could be worthwhile.
