September 22, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Ricardo Mathews (91) rushes during the second quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Earlier this week, the Houston Texans signed free agent defensive tackle Ricardo Mathews as reported by the Houston Chronicle.
Their article on their Ultimate Texans blog states:
"“Mathews, who played defensive end during his four seasons at Indianapolis, will be moved to nose tackle in the Texans’ 3-4 scheme even though he’s light (6-3, 300) for that position.”"
They also said the contract is for one year.
This is another signing for depth by the Texans. It didn’t cost them a lot of money in terms of NFL money, plus they really need some depth to their defense, which took a step backwards last season, as they finished 2-14 in 2013.
Mathews played the past four seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, totaling 52 games with the Texans’ AFC South rival.
In ’13, he had 18 combined tackles (11 solo) with a half of sack.
For his four year career, he has collected 51 combined tackles (29 solo) with 1.5 sacks and four passes defensed, including one this past season.
Mathews was a seventh round selection (238th overall) in 2010 out of the University of Cincinnati.
Again, he seems like he’s a solid depth player who is reliable to be there on game day (played all 16 games past two seasons), so I have no problem with this signing at all. In fact, I believe it could be an under-the-radar signing of a player who will produce quietly for the Texans.
What are your thoughts?
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