Houston Texans Offensive Line Woes
By Bob Dove
So ask yourself, “If the current roster can’t do the job, where can the Texans get an All Pro caliber offensive lineman in the middle of the season?
You can answer that question by asking, “What team going nowhere this year has an All Pro tackle whose contract expires before the team is likely to contend?” Answer – Cleveland Browns/Joe Thomas. Thomas was reportedly on the trading block last year, but the Browns wanted more than just a first round draft choice. Thomas is happy in Cleveland, but he is a professional who wants to win. If I am the Texans I offer the Texans’ 2017 first round draft choice and Tom Savage to the quarterback depleted Browns.
The Texans need to win now, “now” being before the key elements of the current team move on through free agency or retirement. With an offensive line of Joe Thomas, Jeff Allen, Mancz/Martin, Newton and Brown the foundation is set. It will be expensive both in terms of acquisition cost and cap space, but the price is worth paying.
The future is now, and a bold move is required. The Texans can get by with the current offensive line, or they can take the risk necessary to put the Texans over the top. As General Manager, what would you do?