Houston trades out of NFL Draft’s 1st round a day after Texans sign Joe Mixon to extension

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Throughout the first days of the new league year, the Houston Texans were actively engaged in deals, either by signing free agents like standout edge rusher Danielle Hunter or acquiring players through trades, such as running back Joe Mixon.

On Friday, the team made a significant transaction that altered their approach to the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Minnesota Vikings confirmed that they acquired Houston’s first-round pick in the upcoming draft, adding it to their existing ninth overall pick.

In exchange for Houston’s 23rd overall pick and the 232nd pick in the seventh round, the Texans received Minnesota’s picks in the second and sixth rounds of the 2024 draft, along with an additional second-round pick in the 2025 draft.

With this trade, barring any further moves, the Texans will not have a first-round pick in the upcoming draft. The 23rd pick originally belonged to the Cleveland Browns and was acquired by Houston in the Deshaun Watson trade. Furthermore, Houston’s pick at No. 27 was sent to the Arizona Cardinals as part of a trade during the 2023 draft, which allowed the Texans to select Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3.

The Texans and the Vikings have been notably active in transactions recently. Minnesota signed former Houston players Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman in free agency, while Houston acquired Hunter from the Vikings.

Regarding Joe Mixon’s extension, the Texans officially introduced the former Cincinnati Bengals running back on Thursday. Mixon expressed his initial shock at the trade but expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play for Houston. The Texans and Mixon agreed to a three-year, $27 million extension, effective in 2025, with $13 million guaranteed.

The Texans also finalized the signings of other free agents, including Hunter, who signed a two-year, $51 million contract. Hunter, a Morton Ranch High School alum, acknowledged the significance of wearing the No. 99 jersey, previously worn by Texans legend J.J. Watt. In homage to Watt’s contributions to the community and the team, Hunter opted to select a different jersey number, possibly 55.

Since re-signing tight end Dalton Schultz last Friday, the Texans have continued to bolster their roster, with additional signings announced throughout the week.