The hype of free agency has come and gone and now it’s time to look at what teams have gained and lost since March 16th and where they stand as they prepare for the upcoming draft. Let’s talk about my hatred toward the Houston Texans.
Houston Texans
Key acquisitions: G A.J. Cann, S M.J. Stewart, LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, LB Blake Cashman, RB Marlon Mack, RB Dare Ogunbowale, FB Andy Janovich, QB Kyle Allen, C Scott Quessenberry
Re-signed: LB Christian Kirksey, DT Maliek Collins, C Justin Britt, CB Desmond King, LB Kamu Grugier-Hill, RB Rex Burkhead, S Terrence Brooks, LB Neville Hewitt, WR Chris Conley, RB Royce Freeman, TE Antony Auclair, TE Pharaoh Brown
Departures: QB Deshaun Watson (Browns), S Justin Reid (Chiefs), DE Jacob Martin (Jets), CB Terrance Mitchell (Patriots), QB Tyrod Taylor (Giants), OT Marcus Cannon, S A.J. Moore (Titans), TE Jordan Akins (Giants), OT Geron Christian (Chiefs), DT Jaleel Johnson (Saints)
Remaining free agents: RB David Johnson, WR Chris Moore, G Lane Taylor, DE DeMarcus Walker, LB Eric Wilson, WR Danny Amendola
Analysis: Oh Texans. I really, really hate talking about the Texans. They just…annoy me. I hate what they’ve done with trading DeAndre Hopkins to promoting a chaplain to basically the owner of the team to running Deshaun Watson out of town (before his legal troubles) to how dirty they were to David Culley, pretending to give him an opportunity to coach last season in the worst situation possible then firing him when they said they were committed. It’s just an uncomfortable franchise that puts a bad taste in my mouth. And their team building methodology makes no sense and it surprises me that players want to go there, let alone return, which a lot of players did that signed one-year deals the year prior. I don’t wanna do it, but let’s talk about the moves. I’m just gonna go position by position because there were moves everywhere.
Starting with offensive line, the Texans signed longtime Jaguars starting guard A.J. Cann. The seven-year vet has been a full-time starter his entire career and should earn that job in Houston, but will have to compete with Tytus Howard and Max Scharping. They also brought back veteran center Justin Britt and released Marcus Cannon, so there’s a vacancy at right tackle that will likely be filled by Charlie Heck.
Added to the skill positions is former Colts running back Marlon Mack, who was once the starter, but an injury cost him his job as that opened the door for Jonathan Taylor who never looked back. They also brought in special teamer Dare Ogunbowale and re-signed Royce Freeman. After trade discussions, the team decided to give an extension to Brandin Cooks, their leading receiver the past two seasons. So no big moves, but they’re extending their own guys as they also extended Rex Burkhead early in the offseason, who is the likely starter with David Johnson washed up and a free agent.
A lot of linebackers were signed by the Texans, including former Lions starter Jalen Reeves-Maybin, former Rams backup Obo Okoronkwo, and acquired Blake Cashman in a trade with the Jets. They also re-signed Christian Kirksey, Kamu Grugier-Hill, and Neville Hewitt, all started last season.
In the secondary, former Browns and Bucs safety M.J. Stewart is signed and likely takes the place of Justin Reid, who signed a big deal with the Chiefs. They also re-signed safety Terrence Brooks and cornerback Desmond King.
Conclusion: The moves that were made weren’t very exciting, but neither are the Texans. They’re a dumpster fire that’s only getting bigger and more dangerous and are ruining the sanctity of what it means to be an NFL franchise. Poorly run from the beginning with zero stability anywhere. I hate this team.
Football Nerds 