Houston Texans General Manager Nick Caserio has denied reports that the team wants to trade running back Dameon Pierce, but actions speak louder than words. The running back broke out as a rookie, recording over 1,100 yards from scrimmage despite injuries limiting him to just 13 games. However, he regressed in a big way, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry in 2023 while losing his starting job to Devin Singletary. With Singletary now on the Giants, Caserio and the Texans traded for longtime Bengals starter Joe Mixon, once again sending Pierce into a backup role.
Pierce proved he belongs in this league as a rookie, but the 2023 season showed he’s miscast in Bobby Slowik’s Shanhan-styled running attack. With Slowik and head coach DeMeco Ryans firmly entrenched in their respective roles, the Texans have every reason to trade Dameon Pierce to the highest bidder and Establish the Run‘s Adam Levitan believes the Cowboys and Chargers could pursue him.
Cowboys or Chargers?
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) May 7, 2024
It’s important to note that Levitan’s tweet is an opinion, not a report. For those unfamiliar with the analyst, Levitan specializes in fantasy football and was responding to a question about ideal trade destinations for Dameon Pierce. However, since the running back is likely available for the right price, it’s worth looking into these two landing spots to see how he’d fit.
NFL Analyst Names 2 Potential Dameon Pierce Trade Destinations
It’s easy to see why Levitan mentions both teams, as each organization could use another running back. The Dallas Cowboys are currently in the midst of one of the most frustrating offseasons in recent memory. After watching Tony Pollard depart in free agency, Dallas ignored the position in the NFL Draft and only added old friend Ezekiel Elliott in free agency. Dameon Pierce might not be a superstar, but he’d easily be the best back on the Cowboys if acquired via trade.
The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, cannot stop talking about how much they want to run the ball. Unfortunately, their backs are Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins. Dameon Pierce might not be a fit for Slowik’s offense, but the trade candidate’s aggressive, downhill style of play is a match made in heaven for Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. While he won’t be as good as peak Frank Gore, he can bring the same energy the future Hall of Famer brought to Harbaugh’s 49ers from 2011 to 2014.
Of course, the Cowboys and Chargers won’t be the only two teams interested in a Dameon Pierce trade. While they’re the most obvious fits, these three other teams could be willing to part with a Day 3 pick or a veteran in exchange for the running back.
Other Possible Landing Spots
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers will build their offense through rookie Jonathon Brooks, but the Texas product might need time to adjust to the NFL game. Carolina’s second-round pick is coming back from a torn ACL and, while he should be ready to go for Week 1, will probably require a few weeks to look like his old self. Dameon Pierce is a clear upgrade on Miles Sanders, and the trade candidate could provide some backfield stability early in the season.
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick always liked to keep multiple starting-caliber running backs on the roster. Eliot Wolf seems to have a different philosophy, as Rhamondre Stevenson is the only notable early-down runner on the roster. With Ezekiel Elliott back on the Cowboys, New England could use another early-down option that isn’t Kevin Harris. Nick Caserio is a Foxboro product, and that familiarity could facilitate a Dameon Pierce trade.
Baltimore Ravens
Dameon Pierce is a homeless man’s version of Derrick Henry, and the Ravens could trade for the backup running back. While Henry is considerably more effective, both players possess a physical, hard-nosed style of play that pairs well with Lamar Jackson’s elusive running in the open field. With Henry getting older, Pierce can be an ideal backup in the event age or injury affects Henry in Year 1.
Main Photo: Thomas Shea – USA Today Sports
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