HOUSTON -- It was just one trade two years ago, but it set off a cascade of acquisitions that has helped put the Texans in place to contend for the AFC crown.
In March 2022, the Texans traded what looked at one point to be their franchise quarterback, Deshaun Watson, to the Cleveland Browns after he requested a trade in 2021 and sat out the season. Houston received the Browns' 2022, 2023 and 2024 first-round picks, along with fourth-rounders in 2022 and 2024 and a third in 2023.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio, who took over in 2021, says he doesn't think about the deal, even though he turned those assets into five starters including a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro.