After Houston added Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft, the wideout depth chart is getting a little crowded. Alexander had the Texans keep six receivers, and Metchie is projected to be squaring off with Xavier Hutchinson, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson for the final two jobs behind Higgins, Noel, Nico Collins, and Christian Kirk. Metchie may be a trade candidate at the roster cutdown entering the final year of his rookie contract. He’s still only 25, but has cracked 50 yards just once in a game in his career.

The Texans’ emergency No. 2 wideout since Tank Dell’s gruesome Week 16 knee injury, 24-year-old Metchie heads into the offseason having cleared 50 yards receiving only one time all year. That was before Dell’s ailment but during Nico Collins’ absence in Week 10. Heading into the final year of his rookie deal, Metchie has caught at least 30 balls each of the past seasons after missing 2022 with illness. Not a bad floor, but Metchie has not hinted at ceiling, while the Texans have given zero indication they expect Metchie to further ascend the depth chart. He’s a role player who might not be guaranteed to crack the 53-man roster in 2025. Missing out would admittedly be unlikely.

Running a pass route on 29 of C.J. Stroud’s 43 drop backs, Metchie tied Nico Collins for the team lead in targets and worked as the No. 2 receiver against LA. Playing through a lingering shoulder issue, Metchie could be useful in postseason fantasy contests next week against whoever the Texans play in the Divisional Round.

Metchie was able to get in a full practice Thursday, so it seems likely that the 24-year-old will be able to play against Los Angeles on Saturday. Considering the injuries to the Houston receiving corps and the possibility they’ll need to throw a lot in this game, Metchie is worth consideration for the playoff tilt.