What It Means:

As last reported, Brown is willing to hold out far into the season for a new contract. But the three-time Pro Bowler may take that a step further past Week 8, at which time his contract could still count toward satisfying the year. Brown could either show or get traded before or at that time if a team is willing to give up something for his services. With both sides deeply entrenched, a trade might be the only way for this holdout to end.

By our rankings, the Texans' offense is the 29th-best in the NFL and is dead last with a sack percentage of 13.9% through 3 weeks. If Brown were to somehow return, it could be a boost for both Deshaun Watson and Lamar Miller.