The Houston Texans have signed quarterback Josh Johnson on Wednesday and cut the recently signed Matt McGloin.
After rumblings around the NFL that the Houston Texans may sign Colin Kaepernick, they decided to sign another mobile quarterback in Josh Johnson.
Johnson has not attempted a regular-season NFL pass since 2011, when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since then, he has been a part of six NFL franchises- the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.
Is Johnson qualified? Possibly. Does he fit the bill for a mobile quarterback? Sure.
Many saw the need for a mobile quarterback and linked Colin Kaepernick to the Texans.
With such a porous offensive line, and having already implemented a scheme surrounding a mobile quarterback, it was not a surprise they went out and got one. The one, Johnson, is not one many envisioned, however.
Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman wrote about Kaepernick becoming a necessity for the Texans. The franchise saw otherwise.
Former Texans’ quarterback David Carr fantasized on NFL Network over a possible move from wide out to quarterback for current Texan Braxton Miller. Miller was a Heisman candidate quarterback as an Ohio State Buckeye. He transitioned to wide receiver for his senior season. Still, that seemed like an unlikely move for the by-the-book Bill O’Brien.
Signing Kaepernick might have aided the Texans on and off the field. The former Super Bowl quarterback has been jobless this season. Many speculate it is due to his silent protest during the National Anthem prior to games, though it has yet to be confirmed.
With a public relations nightmare occurring recently for Texans, Kaepernick could have aided off the field in that aspect. It would have given Texans’ owner, and warden, Bob McNair a chance to save face after last week’s comments.
They went with the less publicized Johnson, a predictable move Sports 790 host Jayson Braddock remarked today.
While many are outraged, the Texans will move forward with quarterbacks Tom Savage, T.J. Yates and Johnson on their depth chart. It is unsure if Johnson will actually play for the Texans, but they did in fact sign a mobile quarterback.