Improving the offensive line is a must for the Houston Texans. This group last season was lackluster and resulted in constant pressure on the quarterback. Furthermore their rushing attack suffered due to sub-par play. The good news is that Houston appears to be aggressive early in the legal tampering period. A period which teams can agree to terms with players but contracts are not able to be signed until Wednesday at 4 PM Eastern Time.
Andrew Norwell no longer available
First things first, Andrew Norwell formerly of the Carolina Panthers is off the board. Norwell and the Jaguars came to an agreement. Carolina was able to agree with the most sought after guard in this free agent class. A case was made earlier for Norwell ending up in Houston but alas it is not meant to be.
An actual target for the Texans
Houston appears to be the favorite for Zach Fulton formerly of the Kansas City Chiefs. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network sent out a Tweet including this information Monday afternoon.
The #Texans are the favorites to sign former #Chiefs OL Zach Fulton to a multi-year deal worth more than $7M per year, source said. He should play center for them. Other teams are in the mix, but Houston is the likely landing spot.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 12, 2018
As Rapoport states, Fulton would play center for the Texans. Agreeing with Fulton would signal an inside out approach for improving the Texans line. This is crucial due to their young quarterback Deshaun Watson needing more protection. Starting at the center position is the best approach in that regard.
Solder out for Texans?
Nate Solder is also another possibility for Houston but is reportedly drawing strong interest from the Cleveland Browns. Ben Volin of The Boston Globe Tweeted Tuesday morning of this possibility.
Source says Browns are making a big run at Nate Solder to replace Joe Thomas at left tackle. Patriots are going to have some stiff competition. Browns have a ton of money to play with
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) March 13, 2018
If Joe Thomas does retire it will create a need at left tackle in Cleveland. While Solder did pay in New England for Bill O’Brien, it does not mean he is a lock for Houston. Money talks and Cleveland could offer more than Houston can afford to at this moment in time.