Texans GM Nick Caserio on the Trade Deadline: 'Always Open,' He Says - and Honest About the Offensive Line
At 2-5, Houston's general manager says he has talked to most of the league. He also says the line he invested in has disappointed him, the big guard signing has played 31 percent of the snaps, and the Stroud contract 'will take care of itself.'
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans are 2-5, on their bye, and not pretending the trade deadline is someone else's problem. General manager Nick Caserio, asked about the approaching deadline, put the front office's posture in his own words: 'Always open. Had conversations. Talked to most of the league. Where is surplus and where potentially a need? Always be open-minded.' The Texans have already dealt once in-season, for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and Caserio explained that move the same way: 'Opportunity to have player this year, next year, potentially year after that. We felt comfortable making that move and glad he's here.'
The quarterback's contract came up, and Caserio waved it off as a worry. Asked about C.J. Stroud's situation and whether the quarterback is betting on himself, he said: 'You can ask C.J. what his thoughts are. We had really good discussions. We were close. I don't think anybody worried about it. He's playing good football. That's no surprise. We supported him all off-season when he was badmouthed for one bad half of football. The contract will take care of itself.'
The candor sharpened on the offensive line. Caserio reflected on veteran guard Wyatt Teller, signed for the line, who has played only 31 percent of the offensive snaps despite being active every week. More broadly, he said he is disappointed with how the line has performed given the significant investments made in recent offseasons, and admitted he is not sure why it has not improved: 'Don't really have a good answer. Try to put the guys out there we feel are the best. We've done a decent job of pass protection. Run blocking more about finishing. If there's a change to be made, we'll make it.'
One change that will not be made is on the coaching staff. Head coach DeMeco Ryans has made it clear the Texans will not make staff changes despite the rough start. So the deadline arrives with a front office that is open for business, a line it cannot yet explain, and a 2-5 team that has decided its answers are on the roster or on the phone - not on the coaching staff.
