Texans could trade backup QB Davis Mills to the Jets for draft capital. Analyst explains how this move could boost Houston's ammunition.
The Houston Texans are seeing quarterback trade buzz this month. It is not about trading the quarterback some suggest they should trade.
Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills saw a trade prediction from one NFL analyst. Houston Texans writer Jared Koch of Houston Texans on SI wrote that Houston could look to send the talented backup signal caller to the New York Jets this offseason. Koch explained his reasoning.
"Not quite as splashy as a Lawrence deal, but moving off of Davis Mills, who sits on an expiring contract in 2026, could be a simple way for the Texans to add even more ammunition to this year's stash of draft picks. Mills is valuable to the Texans as one of the better backup quarterbacks in the NFL, and someone who's been a steady veteran in the building going on his sixth season.
But that presence could be something that a quarterback-needy team like the New York Jets values as well. And for as confidently as the Texans have talked about C.J. Stroud this offseason, perhaps the right package of draft capital to come their way for Mills can sway the front office to cash in."
Trading a proven backup quarterback can be risky, especially for a team that not only has playoff aspirations but needed a backup for several games a season ago. Mills filled in admirably and helped the team begin its nine-game winning streak in 2025 before Stroud returned from injury. The winning streak came after a rocky start to the season to say the least.
Houston Texans quarterback Davis Mills (10) throws downfield against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesThe trade assumes that the Jets are sufficiently motivated to bring Mills to New York, which would almost certainly have to be the case for the Texans to move on from a consistent performer at the backup quarterback position. Given how poorly Jets quarterbacks have done over several years, New York seems like the team that would be sufficiently motivated to fix its quarterback woes.
Koch suggests that the Texans would add a fifth-round pick for the backup quarterback. And while a fifth rounder does not seem like much, it's quite a haul for a nonstarter given that several fifth rounders have panned out in the league.
Adding a fifth-round pick would be a game changer for the Texans' draft should it happen before it gets underway on April 23. Not only would it give Houston another opportunity to add a player, but trade capital with which the team could move up in the draft to add an even better selection. We'll see if Houston makes a similar move in the coming days.