12up Logo

3 Texans Veterans Who Could Be Cut After the NFL Draft

By Scott Rogust

These three veterans could be cut by the Texans after the 2020 NFL Draft.
These three veterans could be cut by the Texans after the 2020 NFL Draft. / Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

The Houston Texans have become a laughingstock in the NFL due to the mind-numbing decision-making by head coach/general manager Bill O'Brien. Even though the team traded away superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, they still hold eight picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. That could be enough to add some quality players to the roster, but that could come at the expense of some veterans.

Here are three Texans players who could be cut after the NFL Draft.

3. RB Duke Johnson

Duke Johnson was traded for a third round pick last year, and was barely used.
Duke Johnson was traded for a third round pick last year, and was barely used. / Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images

The Texans were in desperate need of a running back last season, so they made a trade with the Cleveland Browns for Duke Johnson. Houston surrendered a third-round pick for Johnson, which means he'd be a focal point in the running game, right? Wrong! Johnson lost playing time to Carlos Hyde. Now, with the team bringing in David Johnson in the Hopkins trade, Johnson's spot on the 2020 roster is in serious doubt. His chances would especially dwindle if the Texans use one of their picks on a stud running back.

2. WR DeAndre Carter

DeAndre Carter could very well lose his job to a rookie this summer.
DeAndre Carter could very well lose his job to a rookie this summer. / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

It's painfully obvious that the Texans have a need at wide receiver after trading Hopkins. Houston doesn't have a first-round pick, so they officially get to work in the second round. Considering how deep the receiver class is this year, you better believe the Texans will use their second-round selection on one. Add the rookie to a depth chart of Will Fuller, Kenny Stills, Randall Cobb, and Keke Coutee, someone has to be shown the door. DeAndre Carter would be the obvious candidate, considering he's been on six teams in five seasons and has yet to catch a touchdown pass in his career.

1. CB Vernon Hargreaves III

Vernon Hargreaves is a first-round bust, and will be shown the door if the team selects a cornerback.
Vernon Hargreaves is a first-round bust, and will be shown the door if the team selects a cornerback. / Julio Aguilar/Getty Images

Vernon Hargreaves III never panned out with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Last season, the 2016 first-round bust was waived by head coach Bruce Arians for a lack of effort on the field. Bill O'Brien claimed him off waivers because he was in desperate need of cornerback depth. Hargreaves' game didn't improve in Houston, but he was still signed to a one-year contract this offseason. If the Texans take a cornerback who impresses early on in camp (if there is one), Hargreaves would no doubt be released if he can't keep up.