Day one of free agency is probably a day the Houston Texans would like to forget.
In an afternoon that saw a lot of big names find zip codes, free agent safety Glover Quin is talking with the Detroit Lions, while the offense said goodbye to veteran wide receiver Kevin Walter and tight end James Casey to the Philadelphia Eagles. Yep, looks like the Texans are set on finding Andre Johnson some help in the draft.
But as we approach day two in the silly season, there’s still a few notable guys the Texans could either lock up or lose. Here’s a quick look:
Jan 5, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Connor Barwin (98) reacts after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter of the AFC Wild Card playoff game at Reliant Stadium. The Texans defeated the Bengals 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Safety Glover Quin
Quin is still a Texan for now, even if we’re saying otherwise by the end of the day.
After the Texans few moves on Tuesday – releasing Walter – it looks as though they are trying to free up some cap space to afford Quin the money he deserves. Reports say Quin is seeking $5 million a season, which would make him the highest paid man in the Texans’ secondary.
Linebacker Connor Barwin
Barwin hasn’t been shy in expressing his desires to go elsewhere this offseason. He’s willing to take a pay cut to play with a team lead by an elite quarterback, and according to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, three teams have shown interest in him since Tuesday.
At the moment all of this could be just a bit of hush hush. But the general consensus is that Barwin will wait until fellow free agent Cliff Avril finds a new home (possibly with the Colts), and Paul Kruger’s new deal with the Browns is finalized to gauge his true value on the market. Barwin is coming off a down year in 2012 that saw his sack numbers fall dramatically. It should be interesting to see if teams like the Patriots and Colts come knocking.
Or of course, the Texans could pull out a deal sometime today if they wanted – as long as Barwin likes the price. If he walks though, it leaves a huge void opposite Brian Cushing, creating another need to fill. The inside linebacker spot is already an issue, so keeping Barwin around is preferable unless the Texans are outbid.
Nose Tackle Shaun Cody
The Texans are focusing hard on the nose tackle spot this year, mainly because it could make linebacker Brian Cushing’s job a whole lot easier if someone strong is up front to open up shots at the quarterback.
On all accounts it appears Shaun Cody isn’t the man for that job. In 2012 he missed three games due to a sore back, and underwent surgery to repair a herniated disk. All of that probably puts a big cross in front of Cody’s name for the Texans to bring him back, and probably doesn’t make him look good on the free agent market either.
There’s no rumors swirling involving Cody’s name, and it may stay like that for a while.
Linebacker Bradie James
The Texans plan this time last year was to sign Bradie James to a one-year deal, pair him up with defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and let the two of them work some magic together. And that didn’t happen.
In 2012, James was flat. with just half a sack next to his name. He was slow, and struggled to get to the ball when it mattered, meaning nothing much is being said on him, only that most people would prefer to see him go and free up some cap space. Really, after James’ lame season last year, it’s unlikely his phone rings anytime soon. And if anything, it probably won’t be the Texans since Brian Cushing is in the final year of his contract.
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