Houston Texans Sure Up Right Tackle With Ryan Harris Resigning

Jan 13, 2013; Foxboro, MA, USA; Houston Texans tackle Ryan Harris (68) defends against the New England Patriots defensive lineman Justin Francis (94) in the AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

Keeping Matt Schaub away from the ground should now be a lot easier in 2013, as the Texans resigned offensive tackle Ryan Harris on Monday.

Harris will now start his second season in Battle Red, after joining the Texans last September. He went on to play in 16 games last season since battling a couple of injuries with his previous team the Denver Broncos. Details of the deal are unknown at this stage, but the Texans gain some strong value out of resigning the five year veteran, and that’s experience.

Last year that experience particularly came in handy on the right side of the offensive line, where Harris and fellow tackle Derek Newton held their own. Newton struggled with leg injuries late last year and underwent surgery in February, so it’s likely we see a battle at training camp this offseason between the two.

Having Harris around again this year also adds depth at the position, especially if Newton needs to step out between a play or two.

I said a few days ago that the Texans would be unlikely to sign any free agents bar their own just under three weeks from the draft. There’s very little cap room left as it is (close to $4 million to be exact), and with Harris coming back, now there’s even less.

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