Key decisions to make for Houston Texans free agents

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Running back Carlos Hyde #23 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 04: Running back Carlos Hyde #23 of the Houston Texans carries the ball against the Tremaine Edmunds #49 of the Buffalo Bills during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at NRG Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 20: Barkevious Mingo #52 of the Houston Texans is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – OCTOBER 20: Barkevious Mingo #52 of the Houston Texans is seen during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Next, these players will likely all make upwards of $2-3 million per year no matter where they sign and factor much more heavily into the team’s free agency plans.

Barkevious Mingo, OLB

29 years old, $3.4 million: 1 start, 6 tackles

Mingo came to the Houston Texans as part of the Jadeveon Clowney trade and has now played with five teams since being drafted sixth overall in 2013. He simply couldn’t find a way onto the field in Houston but could find a rotational role elsewhere. Decision: Let Go

Darren Fells, TE

34 years old, $1.5 million: 16 games/14 starts, 34 recs/341 yards, 7 TDs

One of the most underrated red zone options in the entire league, Fells caught on as Watson’s favorite tight end this season. Though he’s older than most of the Texans starters, he is expected to command a $4.4 million average salary, per Spotrac.com. Decision: Re-sign

Ka’imi Fairbairn, K

26 years old, $3.1 million: 16 starts, 20/25 field goals, 40/45 PATs

Formerly one of the most maligned kickers in the league, Fairbairn really started to turn the story of his career around late in the season. He may not be a Top 10 elite player at his position, but spending one of our few draft picks on a replacement isn’t necessary. Decision: Re-sign

Lamar Miller, RB

29 years old, $6.5 million: missed the season with a torn ACL

Lamar Miller didn’t get the respect he deserved when he was on the field and is still the only player to record three 97-plus yard rushes in a career. Coming off an injury and now out of the loop, Miller is an easy candidate to be replaced. Decision: Let Go