As best we can figure – and no, we do not expect Houston Texans fans to find this especially appetizing – there is one reason and one reason only that Cedrick Wilson’s name continues to float to the top of NFL trade gossip.

That reason: He once upon a time had a solid season while playing for the Dallas Cowboys.

How else to explain why it is being suggested that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio (assuming he’s still around to see this through) fall into the “America’s Team” trap?

Writes NFLAnalysis: “One player that could pique the Texans’ interest is Cedrick Wilson Jr.”

But … why?

The issue isn’t the paucity of talent in the Houston receivers room; the recent trade of Brandin Cooks to Dallas makes that a fact.

The issue – and the reason these rumors are, to us, universally no-go’s – is that Wilson signed a three-year, $22 million deal with the Miami Dolphins in free agency last year while riding the crest of a solid 2021 season in Dallas …

And there is no reason to assume he’ll get back there.

And no reason to pay him $7 million APY to see if maybe he will.

In 2021, Wilson experienced a breakout season filling in for the Cowboys, totaling 45 catches for 602 yards and six TDs. He was also Dallas’ top “gimmick play” guy, and he can return punts.

But his payday in Miami resulted in him catching only 12 passes for 136 yards. Obviously, the trade for Tyreek Hill (which came after the Wilson signing) and the presence of Jaylen Waddle kept Wilson’s numbers down.

But even as speculation centers on Houston giving up a late pick – the Texans own a bundle of sixth or seventh-round picks! – that speculation ignores the $7 mil APY that Houston would needlessly take on.

Miami would save $6 million on the salary cap by trading Wilson before June 1st; good for the Dolphins. But the smartest teams are going to wait to see if Wilson is cut, at which time they can negotiate a new and more sensible contract with him.