There was much speculation on the part of Houston fans and media in the lead-up to the NFL's trade deadline yesterday afternoon. Some wanted the Breece Hall (RB - Jets), while others were more interested in a Joel Bitonio (OG - Browns) or a David Njoku (TE - Browns) type of player. 

Some even campaigned for a soft reboot by way of trading away names like defensive end Danielle Hunter, receiver Christian Kirk, running back Dameon Pierce or linebacker Christian Harris.

Deadline Dud

Alas, general manager Nick Caserio and the Texans opted for none of those choices, as the 3:00 p.m. CT trade deadline came and went with a whimper in the Houston sports sphere. No trades, no movement, neither buying nor selling.

At this moment, they're a 3-5 team with holes in the offensive line, tight end injuries and lack of rush production.  Seemingly, they will depend on improved health, continuity and grit to endure what looks increasingly like a lost season in 2025. 

The AFC South Improves

Unfortunately, their AFC South counterparts in the Colts (7-2) and Jaguars (5-3) had much more extravagant plans in store for their Tuesday afternoons.  Both franchises made season-altering decisions by way of trading for high-impact pieces to solidify themselves for the stretch run of the year. 

Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) on X new threads.

The Colts set off the fireworks for trading day, as reports came down about the explosive deal they made with the New York Jets to acquire star cornerback Ahmed "Sauce" Gardner in exchange for two 1st-round draft picks and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. 

The word on the NFL streets was that Indy was in the market for a cornerback for a while. However, there was no indication that Gardner was even on the trade market to begin with. CBS NFL Insider Jonathan Jones confirmed as much when he sent out this notification on X: 

With Gardner now in tow, the Colts and their 26th-ranked passing defense (244.8 yds/game) have perhaps received the necessary jolt to finish their surprise season with a deep playoff run. 

Not to be left too far behind, the Jaguars then joined yesterday's swap fest with a move of their own. They traded both a 4th-round and 6th round pick to grab Raiders wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. 

Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) on X We have agreed to terms with the Las Vegas Raiders to trade fourth and sixth-round selections in the 2026 draft in exchange for WR Jakobi Meyers, pending a physical. @Shift4 | #DUUUVAL

This came after the news of the second overall selected receiver/defensive back, Travis Hunter, being placed on Injured Reserve last Friday with a knee injury. This is also significant with the reality that fellow first-round receiver Brian Thomas Jr. has had a struggle of a season through the first eight games. 

Now that another receiver has been added to the roster, the goal would be for head coach/play caller Liam Coen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence to utilize his services in a way that jumpstarts the offense and adds more playmaking to a passing attack ranking 16th in the NFL with 215.3 yards per game. 

Their first test? The #1 total defense in the NFL, belonging to the Houston Texans. 

What's the Path From Here?

Where do you think that leaves the short-term future of the franchise? With news of both the Colts and Jaguars improving, does that solidify a path to January football that doesn't involve Houston? 

Is there a way for the team to turn things around with the players they have, or has this current team reached its ceiling for the year? 

Let us know in the comment section below or on the Texans Roundtable X account (@Texans_RTB)!