Texans GM Hints at Potential First-Round Trade Down

Houston has traded out of the first round in each of the last two drafts, and the GM suggests they could do it again.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:35pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style illustration depicting a football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, gray, and orange tones, conveying the strategic maneuvering of the NFL draft.The Texans' draft strategy of trading down in the first round has yielded dividends, but could they buck the trend this year?Houston Today

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio hinted that the team could trade out of the first round for a third straight year in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Caserio said "If we pick, we pick. If we don't, we don't" when asked about their 28th overall selection, suggesting the team is open to moving down the board again to acquire more draft capital.

Why it matters

The Texans have shown a willingness to trade down in the first round in recent years, landing key contributors like Kamari Lassiter and Jayden Higgins while picking up extra picks. This strategy has paid dividends, but the team may be tempted to stay put this year if the right player falls to them at 28.

The details

The Texans haven't made a first-round selection since 2023, when they traded up to land C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. In 2024 and 2025, they traded down, moving from 23rd to 32nd overall. Caserio acknowledged that trading out of the first round again would likely draw some "choice words" from fans, but said he's "heard a lot worse things" in his career.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Texans currently hold the 28th overall pick in the first round.

The players

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, who has shown a willingness to trade down in the first round in recent drafts.

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What they’re saying

“We'll see if we pick. If we pick, we pick. If we don't, we don't. I'm sure we'll keep you on your toes like we always do.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

“If we move out of the first round, then I'll probably get some choice words... It's just the way it goes. I've heard a lot worse things in my life.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, where the Texans will look to continue their recent trend of trading down in the first round if the right opportunity presents itself.

The takeaway

The Texans' willingness to trade down in the first round has paid dividends in recent years, allowing them to acquire additional draft capital and still land key contributors. While they may be tempted to stay put at 28 this year, Caserio's comments suggest Houston could be on the move again on draft night.