Texans could bolster secondary by adding Aqib Talib

As it currently stands it appears that Aqib Talib will be released by the Denver Broncos. This opens up the possibility that the Houston Texans can add the veteran corner in free agency. Houston needs to add talent to their secondary and Talib can be a veteran presence for a young team.

As a result of injuries across the board the Texans pass defense struggled mightily in 2017. The lack of pass rush directly correlated with their 24th ranked pass defense. Houston gave up 237.4 yards per game through the air. This is compared to the 201.6 yards per game given up the year before. Just about any move Houston makes will be viewed as an improvement.

On and off the field issues are no stranger to Talib. Considering Talib is still a lockdown corner this is just part of the tradeoff that comes with Talib. Talib is just as likely to limit a receivers production as he is to tear off his chain during a game. Both of the aforementioned scenarios have happened in recent games.

If the Texans were to acquire Talib it would be due to the potential departure of longtime Houston corner Johnathan Joseph. Joseph will be 34 at the start of next season while Talib will be 32. The difference of two years does not seem to be all that much but when it comes to cornerbacks in the NFL it can be a world of difference. Joseph has noticeably fallen off in terms of production while Talib continues to be an elite corner.

There is certainly potential for Talib to end up in Houston. Talib has already won a Super Bowl so the chance he “ring chases” and signs with a playoff team from this season is less likely. This does not mean Talib will not choose this route however it just lessens the possibility. If the Texans were somehow able to come away with Talib it would be a great first step in rebuilding their defense.