After acquiring third-year wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., the Houston Texans rumors could intensify after the 2026 season involving one of its pass-catchers. Xavier Hutchinson, a former sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, could be on the trade block, with QB CJ Stroud reuniting with Harrison. The former Iowa State product is coming off his best game after the Texans defeated the winless Titans, 26-3, recording 66 receiving yards. Since entering the league, the wideout has operated as a special teams playmaker, but has blossomed as a complementary pass-catcher, finishing the 2025 season with 35 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns.
The wide receiver is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March, and with the Texans also having traded for Kayshon Boutte, it wouldn’t be surprising if he lands on a new team next season. Houston isn’t expected to trade him, but if they lose their next two games and become 1-6, they could consider it.
Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) during halftime against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
If the Texans want to trade the receiver, they should do it sooner rather than later. After all, Jayden Higgins will return next season, and the Texans will have a logjammed receiving unit. While they acquired Harrison, they could also trade Boutte, but he just arrived in Houston this year.
The former 2023 draft pick isn’t expected to generate a high draft selection, but could give the Texans a fourth-round pick if a team is very interested in the pass-catcher. Hutchinson isn’t an All-Pro wideout, but given his contract status, he’s a low-stakes pass-catcher who could fit into a team’s salary cap.
Plenty of teams are expected to be active in the trade market, including several buyers. The Texans are likely sellers a week before the Nov. 10 trade deadline.
Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa State wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (WO22) participates in drills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have one of the worst pass-catching unit depths in football, especially after losing third-round pick Ja’Kobi Lane for several weeks. Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman lead the receiving corps, but with Lamar Jackson expected to miss time, the Ravens should do everything they can to stabilize their offense.
Baltimore brought in Brandin Cooks for a visit, but missed out after the 49ers signed him to the practice squad. DeVontez Walker and Chris Moore provide depth, but Hutchinson could electrify the back end of this group.
Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs are expected to sign a wide receiver before November. After losing Tyquan Thornton to a severe injury, the Chiefs are eyeing Tyreek Hill. However, because of his off-field legal troubles, the team may have to trade for a pass-catcher. Rashee Rice is in his final season, and while he’s on good behavior, the Chiefs won’t re-sign him until he can stay out of trouble during the offseason.
Unfortunately, by then, Kansas City could lose him to another team. Behind Xavier Worthy are unproven wide receivers: Jalen Royals and Nikko Remigio. With veteran TE Travis Kelce expected to retire next year, trading for Hutchinson wouldn’t hurt.
On the other side, the Los Angeles Chargers need to rebuild their pass-catching group. The Chargers drafted Brenen Thompson and have rolled the dice on KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Tre Harris to get up to speed. Unfortunately, that’s why they’re 0-4, as of this posting. Ladd McConkey is the lone proven playmaker, while Quentin Johnston is expected to be cut after the 2026 season since he hasn’t improved.
Hutchinson won’t be WR1, but it’d allow the Chargers to build around him.
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