NFL Free Agency 2019: Houston Texans miss out on OT Trent Brown
The Houston Texans had a chance to pursue a top offensive tackle this offseason, but it is being reported he’s signing with another AFC team as NFL free agency officially begins.
The Houston Texans need a lot of work on the offensive line, and now one of the better offensive tackles available in free agency this offseason to sign, Trent Brown, is no longer on the free agent market to help protect quarterback Deshaun Watson after he was sacked 60-plus times in 2018.
It is being reported by ESPN’s Adam Shefter that Brown — formally of the New England Patriots — is signing a long-term deal with the Oakland Raiders, who have seemly been very busy this offseason, as the Raiders also are also being reported trading third and fifth round draft picks to the Pittsburgh Steelers for star wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Former Patriots’ OT Trent Brown intends to sign a four-year, $66 million contract that includes $36.75 million guaranteed with the Oakland Raiders, per source, making him highest paid OL in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2019
Back to the signing of Brown for the Raiders on the offensive line, Monday. Some wanted the Texans to watch for Brown and possibly add him to the struggling Texans offensive line this offseason, but with Brown becoming the highest paid offensive tackle in the history of the NFL that didn’t happen for Houston. Also for the Texans, they will face the Raiders at home during the regular season, so the Texans will get to play the revamped Raiders in 2019.
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John McClain of the Houston Chronicle wrote this of Brown in a free agents article for the Texans:
"“If the Texans sign Brown, who turns 26 in April, he would start opposite Seantrel Henderson and take pressure off a rookie having to come in right away and protect Deshaun Watson’s blind side.”"
It would have been nice for the Texans to sign a top left tackle to their roster via free agency, but it wasn’t meant to be for the franchise.
Now it looks like the Texans will be looking to the 2019 NFL Draft to add to the offensive line, which is very feasible for the team as they have the No. 23rd overall pick in the first round and two picks in the second round (No. 54 and No. 55).
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What are your thoughts on the Texans not signing Trent Brown in free agency?