Nov 24, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) sits on the bench during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
The Houston Texans lost another defensive player from last season this offseason, as defensive end Antonio Smith signed with the Oakland Raiders on Friday.
Nothing against Smith, he’s a quality veteran player, but it was time for a change in Houston. I wish the best to Smith and in his new surroundings with the Raiders.
Smith signed with the Raiders for two years and $9 million according to ESPN.com.
In an ESPN.com article Tania Ganguli wrote the following when asked about Smith:
"“He’s better at pass rushing than run stuffing … Smith is strong and can overpower opposing linemen.”"
Smith did a lot of things well in his five years with the Texans, but it is best for all parties that he moved onto the Raiders, as the Texans are making a change with their defense this offseason by passing on a lot of their own players in free agency. Smith will have more opportunity to play in Oakland than he would have with Romeo Crennel’s defense.
The DE has played in 10 NFL seasons (his first five with the Arizona Cardinals) as he has a total of 282 combined tackles and 41.5 sacks. This past season he finished with 30 combined tackles, five sacks and a forced fumble.
In other Texans news:
• Here is another article on Smith joining the Raiders, this one from the Ultimate Texans blog by the Houston Chronicle. They wrote abut Smith:
"“In three of his first four seasons in Houston, Smith helped the Texans finish with winning records, including back-to-back AFC South titles in 2011 and 2012. They plummeted to a league-worst 2-14 last season.”"
• Our friends at House of Houston wrote an article about the Texans rebuilding.
• Owen Daniels said goodbye to Texans fans as stated in this article from CSN Houston.
• Here is another article from CSN Houston involving Garett Graham and Ryan Griffin.
As for those two I honestly believe if the Texans can get the right QB they can do some damage in games next season. I don’t think Graham is the best TE in the game, but I feel he’s a little undervalued, but Griffin also has potential as well.
There is room for improvement for both in 2014 and I believe they will play better this upcoming season.
• Here is an article about how what the Texans’ offense could look like in ’14 from an ESPN.com article.
Follow the Toro Times on Twitter at @Texans_TT and like us on Facebook by clicking here.
Subscribe to the Fansided Toro Times Daily Newsletter for free by clicking here.