The New England Patriots and Houston Texans could agree on a solid trade that works for both involving running back Dameon Pierce and safety Kyle Dugger. According to ESPN, they believe the Patriots should trade Dugger, who has been the subject of trade rumors this season after losing his starting job, in exchange for Pierce. While the source talks more about how Dugger can be an efficient replacement since releasing CJ Gardner-Johnson, this article will mention how Pierce could develop in a new scenery and what he could bring to New England. Originally selected in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Florida product has been falling down the depth chart.
Despite putting up almost 1,000 rushing yards during his rookie campaign, he hasn’t been the most useful as a dependable ball-carrier. To no fault of his own, the Texans aren’t using him in the right moments and this trade would benefit him to start fresh elsewhere. Houston will likely be entering a rebuilding phase, which is not ideal for Pierce, who is in his final year of his contract. Pierce will already become a free agent this upcoming offseason; the Texans might as well get something in return.
The running back would be a capable replacement for Antonio Gibson’s absence since losing him to an injury. With Rhamondre Stevenson already struggling, this could be the perfect opportunity for Pierce to take advantage of this and might turn into a full-time ball-carrier for quarterback Drake Maye.
Patriots, Texans Could Agree On Dameon Pierce Trade – 3 Suitors May Intervene
Other Possible Suitors
Washington Commanders
With Jacory Croskey-Merritt suffering through “growing pains,” it might be safe for the Washington Commanders to trade for a running back. After having already traded Brian Robinson Jr., the team was betting its future on JCM, also known as “Bill.” However, it hasn’t been paying off like the team was hoping after making a huge, costly fumble that resulted in a field-goal winning drive from the Chicago Bears.
Nobody should worry about the future of JCM, but they can’t afford to solely rely on his abilities to be a full-time starter yet. Pierce is a safe, low-stakes trade that would allow Kliff Kingsbury to work both between the snaps while Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. develop in the background.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers are on the hunt in the running back trade market. While there are tons of talent like Breece Hall, Alvin Kamara and even Isiah Pacheco, who could become available, Pierce’s availability seems more logical. After losing Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris in one season, the Chargers just need anyone. Pierce isn’t going to light up the field at all, but it gives Jim Harbaugh a new ball-carrier to work with to establish a viable ground game alongside Kimani Vidal to help Justin Herbert in the backfield.
Dallas Cowboys
After losing Miles Sanders for the rest of the season, the Dallas Cowboys should at least trade for a running back as well. 2025 draft pick Jaydon Blue has yet to be a proven reliable downhill runner after missing the first few games of the season. Javonte Williams is looking to be a promising starter, but they still need backup. Pierce could be a dependable ball-carrier for the time being until he hits the market in 2026.
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