Update: Texans Have “A Lot Of Interest” In Ryan Mallett, Trade Could Be Done Soon

Update:

Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle confirms that there is “merit” to the reports that the Texans are interested in acquiring Patriots QB Ryan Mallett

Smith adds that a deal could be completed soon and would have no bearing on the Texans plans for the No. 1 overall pick.

• Meawhile, Albert Breer reports that there are contingencies regarding a potential trade.

According to Smith, these contingencies are related to a contract extension for Mallett, as he would have to reach an agreement with the Texans before a deal could agreed upton.

• Ian Rapoport reports that the Texans have “a lot of interest” in Mallett and are expected to add a quarterback at some point this week.
• Rapoport adds that he wouldn’t be surprised if their quarterback ended up being Mallett.

Mallett, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so trading for Mallett is a little more complicated that parting with draft picks, as the Texans would have to lock him up to a long-term contract once the deal is complete.

The fact that Houston would have already sent the Patriots draft compensation for him would shift at least some leverage to Mallett in contract talks, which is why a deal would need to be place ahead of time.

We’ll have more regarding a potential trade as the news is available.

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Tom Curran is now reporting that a separate source has informed him that there is “nothing doing” at the moment regarding a Ryan Mallett-trade to Houston.

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Tom Curran of CSN New England is reporting that a source has informed him that the Patriots could be trading QB Ryan Mallett to the Texans “soon.”

• Curran adds that it’s not a done deal as of now, but the “machinations have begun.”

Mallett has been a popular name in trade rumors for a few years now, and the Texans have been a popular landing spot for him given that Bill O’Brien is now in charge of the team and has worked with Mallett in New England.

Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston mentioned about a month ago that the Patriots would be lucky to get “a late-round pick at best” for Mallett, so it will be interesting to hear what type of compensation is being discussed, assuming that this report is accurate.

Reports from today mentioned that the Texans are comfortable remaining at No. 1 overall and making the pick, which could be seen as a sign that they will look elsewhere for a quarterback. There is still a chance they could draft someone at the start of round two.