The Houston Texans have dealt wide receiver John Metchie III to the Philadelphia Eagles, according to reports
In return, Houston are receiving tight end Harrison Bryant and a fifth-round draft pick, while sending Metchie and a sixth-round selection to Philadelphia.
The move comes as the Texans look to reinforce their tight end depth after Brevin Jordan suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans was left with only Dalton Schultz and rookie Cade Stover as trusted options at the position, making Bryant – a proven veteran – a valuable addition.
Metchie, entering his fourth NFL season, has recorded 40 catches for 412 yards and one touchdown across 29 career games.
Drafted in the second round in 2022, his career was delayed after missing his rookie year while undergoing treatment for leukaemia.
This pre-season, the 24-year-old leads Houston’s receivers with six receptions for 53 yards but had slipped to fifth on the depth chart, behind Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
His lack of special teams contribution also reduced his value compared to players like Braxton Berrios.
In Philadelphia, Metchie will bolster an already strong receiver group featuring A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Jahan Dotson and rookie Johnny Wilson.
He reunites with Smith, his former Alabama teammate, with whom he won the 2020 national championship.
Bryant, meanwhile, brings six years of NFL experience, totalling 98 receptions for 877 yards and 10 touchdowns.
