Why the Texans traded for Rams WR Ben Skowronek
The Texans traded for wide receiver and special teamer Ben Skowronek, formerly of the Rams.
The news came down earlier in the day that the Rams would release Skowronek. But Similar to how the trade transpired with the Bengals for running back Joe Mixon, the Texans got on the phone and worked out a deal to acquire Skowronek before his release would be official, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Texans and Rams swapped 2026 sixth- and seventh-round picks in the trade, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Skowronek is much more than a wide receiver, though. Here’s what he brings to the Texans offense.
Why the Texans traded for Rams WR Ben Skowronek
Skowronek was drafted in the seventh by the Rams at pick No. 249 back in 2021. He played in 14 games during his rookie season where he saw 19% of the offensive snaps and 53% of the snaps on special teams.
He started 11 games while seeing action in 14 the following year. Skowronek played on 82% of the offensive snaps in those games and only 12% of the special teams snaps as he caught 39 passes for 376 yards. His catch rate improved year-over-year from 55% to 64%.
Skowronek’s offensive role diminished in 2023 with the addition of stellar rookie receiver Puka Nacua. Skowronek saw action in all 17 games but saw his roles on offense and special teams flip with him playing only 19% of the offensive snaps as compared to 71% of the special teams reps.
Where Skowronek fits on Texans
Skowronek is more than a receiver. At 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds, the Rams would use him at fullback and even targeted him out of the backfield in 2022. Skowronek also had a rushing touchdown for 17 yards that season. He returned kicks as a rookie in 2021 with four returns for 70 yards.
As previously mentioned, he also has a lot of special teams experience. Skowronek tied for the team lead with six special team tackles during his rookie year and tied for the NFL lead with 13 special teams tackles in 2023. The new kickoff rules also adds value to Skowronek with the Texans, who love versatility.
Now he’ll join one of the best special teams units in the NFL under coordinator Frank Ross. The offense also gets a big-body receiver to provide depth behind Nico Collins, Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs. There will be plenty of ways to get value out of Skowronek in the last year of his contract.
Who loses by this addition?
Receiver Robert Woods could lose his job after this acquisition. He has a less-than-desirable contract for his slotted role and the Texans would save almost $5 million in cap space if they moved on from Woods. The addition of Skowronek and the subtraction of Woods would be a net gain of roughly $4 million for the Texans 2024 cap space.
Houston would still have Collins, Diggs, Dell, John Metchie III, Noah Brown, Xavier Hutchinson and Steven Sims at receiver alongside Skowronek if they moved on from Woods.