Could the Texans go after Jahri Evans?
By Josh McSwain
This week the veteran guard was cut after a long stay in New Orleans. With the Saints over the cap, it was a needed move. Should the Texans bring him in?
There are few guards out there with the resume that Evans has. He has made the Pro Bowl six times in a decade in New Orleans as he plugged in the right guard role for the prolific Saints offense that saw Drew Brees break records.
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The Texans could use a boost in pass protection. Brees was only sacked 31 times last season while playing every game and throwing 627 passes. Brian Hoyer was sacked 25 times while throwing 369. In total, Houston gave up 36 sacks despite attempting far fewer passes. Evans would be a veteran who would challenge young guys in Brandon Brooks and Xavier Su’a-Filo for a starting spot. Also, Brooks is a free agent. So the Texans could opt to let Brooks walk if they wanted to bring in Evans. The Texans do have almost $30 million in cap space, so they can afford to spend a little bit, even for luxury players.
But, Bill O’Brien has spoken highly of Brooks, saying, “he’s a very talented guy that over the last two years has — when he’s been out there, has played very consistently for us.” Considering the Texans have tried to develop some continuity on the right side of the line, I think Brooks will end up back in Houston next year. Furthermore Su’a-Filo is going into his third year after being takes with the 33rd overall pick out of UCLA. He should be safe at left guard.
If the Texans look to improve the offensive line, bringing in some competition at right tackle for Derek Newton could be beneficial. Newton struggled in pass blocking in some games. Also Duane Brown is now 30 and coming off of an injury, so perhaps a swing tackle could be just what the Texans need; more than Evans. I don’t think it would be bad to go after Evans, but I think there are bigger needs to be addressed before getting to him, a guy who figures to command some serious interest on the market.