Dec 21, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Brian Hoyer (6) runs as Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) and defensive tackle Kawann Short (99) and outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) and defensive end Mario Addison (97) and defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) defend in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest names of NFL free agency have mostly signed their names on the dotted line for the team of their choice. Many of them have done so with a hefty price tag, as is often the case during the first wave or two of the free agency period each offseason.
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This year the Houston Texans played it smart and stayed away from the big, risky moves. They didn’t shell out hundreds of millions of dollars, but instead opted to save money by cutting veterans like receiver Andre Johnson and center Chris Myers.
Myers looks to be replaced in house by sliding guard Ben Jones over to the center slot. As for Johnson, the team has another in-house player set to take the reins in last year’s leader in receiving yards, wide out DeAndre Hopkins.
To help Hopkins out the team brought in veteran receiver Cecil Shorts III to help out. The other free agency moves the team made including signing quarterback Brian Hoyer, free safety Rahim Moore and their prize of free agency, nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Vince and Moore should step in and start immediately, whereas Hoyer will battle returning quarterback Ryan Mallett for the chance to start under center.
The best part of each of these signings is the fact that none of the players received cap-crippling contracts. Shorts netted a two-year contract for $6 million, Moore signed on for only three years at $12 million, while Wilfork got two years at $9 million. Hoyer actually got the largest per-year deal at two-years and $10.5 million.
All signings are short term so even if the player is not able to perform to the team’s expectations, the Texans will be able to move on from each player in a short amount of time.
If the Texans decided against signing anyone else, I don’t think anyone could blame them. However, if they do want to keep looking to plug a hole or two in advance of the upcoming NFL draft, here are three players still available for Houston.
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