Five Under The Radar Free Agents The Houston Texans Should Target: Defense
By Randy Gurzi
Dec 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end
George Johnson(93) against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
George Johnson, Defensive End, Detroit Lions
George Johnson was a rotational pass rusher in Detroit, recording six sacks off the bench. At 6’4” and 265 pounds he has the size to convert to an outside linebacker for the Texans and be productive.
The knock on Johnson is he was not solid against the run, but with his frame this may just be an issue with playing time. While switching positions is not always a sure thing, Johnson could provide some solid depth and help a team that besides defensive end J.J. Watt, really struggled to get to the quarterback.
Now Johnson is actually a restricted free agent, meaning the Detroit Lions could match any offer given to the defender. That doesn’t mean Houston shouldn’t at least try to obtain the services of the young man out of Rutgers.
While there is still hope that linebacker Jadeveon Clowney can return from his injury to be a real player, someone like Johnson would give the team an option to hold down the spot until last year’s prized rookie regains his burst.
Obviously these are simply my opinions and we all know that free agency always has a surprise or two. Perhaps Houston ignores all these guys and lands a big fish when the rush for players begins.
Look for my next piece tomorrow about the players on the offensive side of the ball that the Houston Texans should look out for.