The Houston Texans are currently in second place in the AFC South and were in desperate need of some help in their secondary. Following their 30-23 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the team acquired Gareon Conley from the Oakland Raiders.
The Texans surrendered a third-round pick for Conley and got a cornerback who has some potential in Romeo Crennel's defense. Just two years ago, Conley was being taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
While in Oakland, the former Buckeye has been fairly inconsistent in his role as a starting cornerback. Since 2018 (when he became a starter), Conley has amassed 60 tackles, 17 pass deflections, and four interceptions.
This season alone, Conley has accumulated 23 tackles, two pass deflections, and an interception. With that being said, what grade do the Texans deserve for bringing in Conley via trade?
Grade for Texans' trade for Conley: B+
Just seven weeks into the season, Houston has already begun having injury woes in their secondary. During the offseason, the team signed Bradley Roby to become a centerpiece of the defense.
This past Sunday, Roby was inactive due to a hamstring injury that will sideline him for a couple more games. Phillip Gaines, who replaced Roby in Week 7, injured his ankle and was placed on injured reserve on Monday.
Along with Roby and Gaines, Johnathan Joseph is also dealing with an injury and is no longer the player he once was. This made trading for a cornerback before the trade deadline nearly a necessity.
Fortunately for Houston, the Raiders haven't been sold on Conley to begin the season, making him available to a team that offered something of worth. In the end, the Texans viewed him as being worth a third-round selection.
The Texans are trying to position themselves as the front-runner in the AFC South. But they wouldn't have been able to do that if they had remained complacent with their current situation.
In light of that, the move for Conley makes a ton of sense moving forward. The Texans get a cornerback who fits what Crennel wants to do defensively with his size.
Also, at 24 years old, Conley can become a cornerstone in due time if he reaches his potential. The Ohio State product has two years remaining on his rookie deal, is due nearly $2.6 million over the next two seasons, and could have his fifth-year option picked up.
Therefore, the Texans technically have the rights to Conley through the 2021 season if they desire. The potential of this deal gives Houston a B+, but this easily could turn into a steal for Bill O'Brien's squad if Conley exceeds expectations.
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