The Houston Texans reportedly were close to finalizing a trade with the Chicago Bears for their top overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft — and likely would have selected Bryce Young — however, they had trouble getting across the goal line on the deal.
When the 2022 NFL season came to a close and it was official that the Chicago Bears would have the top pick in the draft, many speculated on what they might do with the selection. While some thought they could take a quarterback and move on from current starter Justin Fields, it wasn’t long before it became clear the organization was committed to Fields and was open to trading out of the top spot.
Several teams reportedly made a push to get the high-value pick, including the Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans. But in the end, it was the Carolina Panthers that were able to get a deal done. Now, they are expected to select Alabama star Bryce Young with the No. 1 pick on Thursday, and it seems Houston was very close to being in that same spot.
Houston Texans record (2022): 3-13-1, last place in AFC South
On Thursday, Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer revealed the Houston Texans had the structure of a trade with the Chicago Bears mostly complete, however, they were unable to get passed the finish line and the Panthers swooped in to get the top pick, instead of a potential trade to instead move up to No. 2.
“The Bears were trading that top pick with Houston to go to #2, then Chicago had a deal pretty much worked out with Carolina to go from 2 to 9. Looked like it was going to happen then Houston source says they just couldn’t get that part of the deal done so the Bears made the eventual move with the Panthers, who now have their guy. Young likely would have been the guy for Texans.”
– Jay Glazer
Chances are when it became clear that Carolina was willing to add talented wide receiver DJ Moore to a potential trade to move up to No. 1, that ended any chance the Houston Texans might have had to revive a potential to move up a spot tonight. It is still unclear who the organization will likely take when they are on the clock at No. 2 in the NFL Draft.