Eagles bolster WR depth with Metchie trade

The Philadelphia Eagles acquire John Metchie III from the Texans, adding depth at wide receiver before the start of the season.

Texans trade John Metchie III to Eagles ahead of season opener

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III, sending tight end Harrison Bryant and swapping future day three picks in return. The deal, first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter and confirmed by Philadelphia, brings the 25-year-old Alabama product to a team that wanted more depth at receiver this season. Metchie is entering his third NFL season after a 2022 draft class pick, and he finished last year with 254 receiving yards and a touchdown on 24 catches in Houston.

Behind the Eagles' top duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, the article notes other contenders in the wideout room such as Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson to round out the group. The Eagles averaged 187.9 receiving yards per game last season, a figure that reflected a heavy reliance on their stars and the run game. Philadelphia will now add Metchie while continuing to navigate a crowded target tree as they prepare to open the season against the Dallas Cowboys.

This move signals a broader NFL trend: teams stacking depth at receiver even when they already have proven playmakers. Metchie gives Jalen Hurts a reliable option who can contribute in multiple roles without forcing a major lineup overhaul. The trade also highlights how teams balance present needs with future assets, since Philadelphia swaps a day three pick to acquire a younger, controllable athlete.

From the Texans’ side, Bryant’s departure creates room for other receivers while giving Houston a veteran addition at tight end. The deal underscores how both teams manage payroll, development timelines, and game plans as they approach a demanding early schedule. The season opener contours — Rams for the Texans and Cowboys for the Eagles — will test whether this depth-focused strategy translates into on-field advantages early in the year.

Highlights

Time will tell how this depth move shapes the Eagles and Texans in a tough early schedule.