Joel Dreessen to sign with Denver Broncos

Another piece of the Texans 2011 playoff run has left for greener pastures, as backup TE Joel Dreessen has just completed a deal with the Denver Broncos, per Mark Berman’s twitter feed:

"Free agent TE Joel Dreessen says he will sign with the Denver Broncos."

The seven-year man out of Colorado State had spent the past five seasons playing for the Texans, leading the team with a career-high six touchdown catches last year while serving in a backup role. As the season progressed, Dreessen emerged as a favorite red zone target for Houston quarterbacks, catching at least one touchdown pass each from Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart and T.J. Yates.

It’s understandable that Dreessen chose the Broncos over his former team. Daniel Fells, Broncos primary TE last season, signed with the Patriots earlier this week so Dreessen figures to get more snaps as Denver’s starting TE next season. And considering how Peyton Manning was able to turn an average TE in Dallas Clark into a Pro-Bowler back in his Colts day, Dreessen’s numbers will undoubtedly get a boost with No. 18 under center.

He will be playing in his home state too. What’s not to like?

For the Texans, losing a backup TE should not affect the team’s gameplan going forward, as they have viable in-house replacements in Garrett Graham and James Casey. If Gary Kubiak prefers to utilize Casey’s versatility as a FB and doubts Graham’s ability to stay healthy, there are plenty of options in the draft. And if history is any indication, the Texans have always shown a knack for getting valuable TEs in later rounds (Owen Daniels in 2006’s fourth round and James Casey in 2009’s fifth round).

One word that sums up this move: Meh. In any rate, best of luck to Joel Dreessen in his new Broncos’ uniform.