Five positions the Houston Texans must address in free agency

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith before a game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) is tackled by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium . Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Charcandrick West (35) is tackled by Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt (99) and nose tackle Vince Wilfork (75) during the first quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium . Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Defensive Line

It seems like nose tackle Vince Wilfork is immune to criticism, because outside of this web site no one seems to mention he was absolutely a bust for the Texans in 2015. He had six solo tackles all year, and actually was more effective at talking about his old team, the New England Patriots, than anything else all season.

Perhaps it’s because he told a dirty joke and wore overalls on ‘Hard Knocks,’ but hopefully the lack of criticism for his non-existent play didn’t extend to the Texans front office. Houston has to move on from him, and they need to get a replacement either in the draft or via free agency.

MUST READ: Houston Texans, Defensive line free agent options

Preferably, they will acquire talent for the line both ways as the team never even had a real nose tackle backup.

At defensive end, they always look set mainly because of J.J. Watt, but Jared Crick is a valuable and underrated player. He will be a free agent, and bringing him back is key. Rookie Christian Covington showed flashes and would be a great rotational end that could blossom into a starter.

In free agency, another depth piece at end would be great, but the real challenge this offseason is getting someone to replace Wilfork.

Next: Tight End