Houston Texans Free Agency, Draft Priorities Shift Following Signings
The Houston Texans were one of the most active NFL teams prior to Tuesday’s opening of the NFL’s free agency market. And their moves have now shifted their focus in both free agency and the NFL Draft.
Quarterback was the Texans’ biggest need heading into free agency on Monday. But Houston filled that need bringing in both free agents Ryan Mallett and Brian Hoyer. Mallett has the edge on Hoyer having played in the Texans’ system last year and due to his previous relationship with Houston head coach Bill O’Brien.
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The Texans also secured their offensive line by signing starting right tackle Derek Newton. Although they did create a void last week by releasing longtime center Chris Meyers.
Starting guard Ben Jones could shift back to center, the position he was originally drafted for. Thus making room for last year’s first pick of the second round, Xavier Su’a-Filo, to fill in at starting guard.
Houston then addressed their defensive backfield by securing cornerback Kareem Jackson. Despite the signing, the Texans’ defensive backfield still needs to be addressed as safeties Kendrick Lewis, Danieal Manning, Eddie Pleasant (restricted) are still all free agents.
Now the Texans focus shift to other areas of want on their roster. After Houston announced they will be moving on from veteran wide out Andre Johnson last week, recevier has become the Texans biggest offseason need. Earlier rumors about the possible signing of former Miami Dolphin wide receiver Brian Hartline have since died down.
Also another pressing need for Houston is at linebacker as both Brooks Reed and Akeem Dent are free agents. But both the recevier and linebacker positions could be addressed during the NFL Draft in April as both are considered areas of strength in this class.
It should be interesting to watch this Texans team transform here in the next couple of months.