Khalil Davis might have been out the door with the return of Houston Texans defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr.
Instead of letting him walk, Houston picked up something in return.
The Texans closed Tuesday’s deadline by trading the fourth-year defensive tackle to the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. Houston will now have a roster spot waiting for Edwards when he returns from his four-game suspension next week.
The former Nebraska star joined Houston in 2023 and impressed, recording a career-high 32 tackles with six quarterback hits and two sacks while helping the Texans secure their first playoff berth in four seasons.
Khalil Davis recorded 13 run stops and 5 TFLs in 2023
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This season, Davis has recorded two tackles and one sack on 172 defensive snaps for 32 percent of the total defensive playing time.
Here’s how Texans Wire grades out the trade for both sides.
Texans grade
Houston felt Davis provided the most value on the defensive line among depth pieces and figured it could survive by moving him. A 2026 seventh-round pick might seem low, but it could factor into a later deal for a more prominent name on the trade market.
Davis, who was in a contract year, could have left in free agency, leaving Houston without a compensatory pick in the 2025 draft. Instead, the Texans gain a future draft asset for a player who could be replaced with the return of Edwards.
For now, the Texans can lean on a combination of Tim Settle and Dencio Autry’s opposite Foley Fatukasi. Autry, who recorded two sacks in Thursday’s loss against the New York Jets, can kick inside at defensive tackle on pass-rushing sets on third down.
Could the Texans have gotten more? Perhaps, but it’s something. If Kurt Hinish was on the chopping block, then maybe fans could argue, but at least the Texans are adding draft depth over football depth.
Grade: B
49ers grade
Davis should provide depth behind former Texans starter Maliek Collins and veteran Jordan Elliott. The 49ers previously lost Javon Hargrave to a triceps injury that will likely end his season, so Davis should see an expanded role.
He’ll have an understanding of the defense since it’s a similar formation that derives in Houston. The 49ers also kept all their 2025 draft picks, so consider that a win.
Grade: B+