Houston Texans Lose Tight End James Casey to Philadelphia Eagles

Only a few hours after the Texans learned of Glover Quin’s arranged visit to Detroit on Tuesday afternoon, Houston’s offense was the next to receive some bad news – tight end James Casey has signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dec 16, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans fullback James Casey (86) waves to fans against the Indianapolis Colts during the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Agreeing to a three year, $14.5 million deal, losing Casey is perhaps a bigger worry for the Texans than originally assumed. In 2012 he caught 34-catches for 330-yards and three scores, but Casey was never used as a utility man on Gary Kubiak’ offense. Instead the Eagles saw Casey for what he is –  a tight end, a full back and potential special teamer.

The move for the Eagles will probably pay off sometime soon. Chron.com thinks he would be a good fit at half back for Chip Kelly’s new look offense, but will obviously be used as a tight end first and foremost.

For the Texans, they are losing a guy with a great set of hands, even though we never got to see them much. It’s been a quiet day in terms of signings for the team, and right now general manager Rick Smith is losing more players than the team is signing, which wasn’t the plan.

If the Texans want to replace Casey in the draft, there’s plenty of options to do so. Guys like Tyler Eifert and Zach Ertz will be long gone in the first round, but there’s room for Dion Simms or Gavin Escobar to fall in the third or fourth rounds.

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