The Houston Texans began the offseason with an exciting young receiving duo in Tank Dell and Nico Collins, later enhancing their lineup by acquiring All-Pro Stefon Diggs from the Buffalo Bills in a trade on April 3. Now, general manager Nick Caserio has further bolstered the receiving corps by securing Ben Skowronek from the Los Angeles Rams, as reported by NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.
Trade! The #Rams are sending WR Ben Skowronek to the #Texans, per sources.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 9, 2024
Skowronek, who will reach 27 years of age in June, is in the final year of his rookie contract after being drafted by the Rams in the 7th round of the 2021 draft from Notre Dame. Despite limited playing time with the Rams, notably due to the presence of established receivers like Cooper Kupp and others, Skowronek contributed to the team’s Super Bowl victory in his rookie season, stepping up when injuries struck.
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 224 pounds, Skowronek brings a physical presence to the Texans’ receiving corps. While his opportunities were scarce in Los Angeles, he can make an impact on special teams for Houston, filling gaps left by departures in free agency and providing depth at wide receiver. Additionally, his versatility, having occasionally played at fullback and tight end, offers flexibility to the Texans’ offense.
Ben Skowronek is a perfect fit in Bobby Slowikâs West coast scheme
A WR/FB that does a lot of the dirty work
Writing is on the wall for a Robert Woods releaseâĤpic.twitter.com/ymEtUy95zs
— Drew (@IndepthTexans) May 9, 2024
Fans and analysts have quickly voiced their opinions on Skowronek’s potential fit with the Texans, both as a receiver and in his utility roles. With his familiarity with offensive schemes similar to that of Houston’s coordinator Bobby Slowik, thanks to his time in Sean McVay’s system, Skowronek should adapt smoothly, though building chemistry with quarterback C.J. Stroud may take some time.
A WR that can play at FB and block like this as well while catching out of I-Form
For a team that uses a FB as much as the Texans it makes a lot of sense that they would want Ben Skowronek as a depth WR pic.twitter.com/ml572WJhZX
— Jacob (@Stroud4AllPro) May 9, 2024
Regarding the impact of this trade on other Texans receivers, Collins, Dell, and Diggs remain the primary trio, while Skowronek’s arrival could signal the end for veteran Robert Woods. Woods, now 32, has seen declining production and faces a substantial cap hit for the upcoming season. Given his diminishing role and the potential for cap savings, the Texans might soon part ways with Woods, making Skowronek’s addition pivotal in reshaping their receiving corps.
