Houston Texans: Focus on the o-line, not Le’Veon Bell this offseason

Should the Houston Texans sign Le’Veon Bell this offseason?

The rushing game of the Houston Texans hasn’t been exactly great this season. When the offseason arrives, should they really take a big chance with a sizable contract and sign current Pittsburgh Steelers running back (and holdout) Le’Veon Bell when he becomes available in 2019?

Bell hasn’t played a snap thus far this season due to a contract dispute with the Steelers front office. Though he might be arriving next week — as that is his final chance be paid anything this season — he’ll be available this upcoming offseason to the rest of the league, and the Texans have the funds to make him a happy player once again.

Dan Grazinao of ESPN.com is predicting that the Texans will sign Steelers running back Bell this offseason via free agency:

"“It’s also a team with a boatload of projected 2019 cap space and a quarterback on his inexpensive rookie deal. The Texans will be next season’s Rams — the “all-in” offseason team trying to maximize Deshaun Watson‘s window.”"

That is all well and good, but just how much is too much for the Texans to spend on a running back? It is obvious no matter who is carrying the football, Bell or otherwise, the offensive line still isn’t very good. If the Texans sign Bell, they need to add to their offensive line in a huge way too, especially at left tackle for any running back to be successful.

To be “all-in” as the ESPN.com article stated, the rebuild of the offensive line is more important for success than any running back can bring. Plus, if the offensive line is stronger the Texans should look in the 2019 NFL Draft if they want to add to their running backs as a better rate and go after the best available offensive linemen in free agency.

Currently the Texans running back depth is Lamar Miller as the top starter, followed by Alfred Blue and when he’s healthy the wild card is D’Onta Foreman, who is currently injured, but has potential.

If the Texans do have the chance to sign Bell they shouldn’t go crazy with a contract, unless they build a strong offensive line first. For the offense to get stronger the issues with the o-line need to be the first thing addressed on the roster whenever the Texans’ offseason begins, not running back.