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Report: Texans trading LB Benardrick McKinney to Dolphins for LB Shaq Lawson

The Houston Texans and Miami Dolphins are reportedly doing a linebacker exchange.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Texans are trading linebacker Benardrick McKinney to the Dolphins, and the Dolphins are sending linebacker Shaq Lawson to Houston. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the trade will also include some late-round picks.

McKinney, 28, had a rough 2020. He played in just the first four games, then needed surgery to repair an injured shoulder and missed the rest of the season. He appears to be the instigator in this trade. Rapoport reported that the Texans gave him permission to seek a trade several days ago.

McKinney has been with the Texans since they drafted him in 2015, and is the latest longtime player to make his way off of the team.

The Texans aren't exactly downgrading with Lawson. At 26, he's two years younger than McKinney, and while he's never been a starter, he's notched 18 QB hits for two straight seasons. This is already an upgrade for the Texans.

With the cap foremost in everyone's minds, it looks like both teams will leave this trade largely the same as they went in.

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 06: Shaq Lawson #90 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Linebackers Shaq Lawson of the Dolphins and Benardrick McKinney of the Texans are being traded for each other. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) (Michael Reaves via Getty Images)

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