The NFL world is buzzing after a surprise trade between the Houston Texans and the Miami Dolphins. No, Deshaun Watson wasn't involved. Instead, the Texans traded away Pro-Bowl linebacker Benardrick McKinney to Miami for Shaq Lawson, per Adam Schefter. Some late-round draft picks were also included, but it seems the important part of the trade was the swap of linebackers.
Houston and Miami have a deal: Texans are trading LB Benardrick McKinney to the Dolphins for LB Shaq Lawson, per league sources. The deal also will include a swap of late-round picks, but the focus is the LBs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 14, 2021
Houston Texans Trade Grade: B-
A move that makes sense, but possibly wasn't the only solution for Houston. Giving up their best inside linebacker to acquire a pass rusher isn't an ideal situation. It's not like Lawson is a bad player though, as he finished last season with 32 total tackles, 18 quarterback hits, and four sacks. After the release of J.J. Watt, the Houston front office likely felt pressure in replacing him. From that point of view it's a solid trade, but the fact they had to give up another valuable asset to do so, is why the trade is questionable.
The Texans receive a B-, as they essentially depleted the roster more so just to acquire J.J. Watt's replacement.
It's also worth noting that this move by the Texans could be an attempt by the team to appease Deshaun Watson, who has already made it known that he wants out of Houston. Lawson and Watson are former teammates in college with the Clemson Tigers. The two played together for Dabo Swinney's team for two seasons (2014, 2015).
Miami Dolphins Trade Grade: A-
As for the Dolphins, they walk away winning this trade. They have a weakness at inside linebacker, and now McKinney steps in and becomes the immediate starter. Miami isn't shy to let go of its outside linebackers, as the Dolphins also released Kyle Van Noy as well. Luckily for Miami, it has a ton of cap space and draft picks to find whoever it needs to improve the defense.
The Miami Dolphins receive an A-, as they've now acquired an elite middle linebacker to improve their defense. However, they did have to let go of a solid pass rusher to do so.
McKinney signed a five-year extension with the Dolphins worth $50 million, so he'll now be under the Dolphins' payroll until the 2023.
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