Remaining Free Agents The Houston Texans Should Target
By Randy Gurzi
Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys defensive end Anthony Spencer (93) rushes the passer against Detroit Lions tackle Cornelius Lucas (77) in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat Detroit 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Anthony Spencer, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, 31 Years Old
I will admit, I am biased when it comes to defensive end Anthony Spencer. I have always liked the way he plays and believed he was capable of better numbers than he has usually put up in his career.
He earned the nickname “Almost Anthony” early on in his career. He seemed to always be just a step away from making the big play. I always believed this meant he was doing his job, just not catching the breaks.
That changed in 2012 when Spencer recorded 95 tackles and 11 sacks. In 2013 he was supposed to make an even bigger impact after converting from a linebacker to a defensive end in the 4-3 scheme. Unfortunately a knee injury ended his hopes of doing that and he managed to only play one game and record two tackles for the year.
In 2014 he took a long time to return from microfracture knee surgery, as was expected. A slowed down Spencer played in 13 games as a rotational pass rusher. He recorded 22 tackles and only a half a sack. He did seem to regain some of his form near season’s end, and even had a sack in the Cowboy’s playoff victory over the Detroit Lions.
Now a full season removed from surgery, and on the wrong side of 30, Spencer looks as though he needs a new team. Coming back to a team with a 3-4 defense and playing his more familiar outside linebacker spot could be just what the Texans need.
It may also be a good thing for the team to have a guy who recovered from the dreaded knee operation to help mentor last years first overall pick, linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who just endured the same surgery.
These are just a few of the many options still available that I believe could help the team out. Feel free to use the comment section below to let us know if there are any players you, the Texans fans, want to see come to Houston.