Houston Texans better at WR as Danny Amendola brings veteran presence

The Houston Texans added to their wide receiver roster, and it was needed for 2021.

If new Houston Texans wide receiver Danny Amendola can stay healthy and on the field for the team in 2021 it will most definitely help the Texans move in the right direction. This signing by Houston works out well because it is not only a one-year deal, but it is a bargain in terms of  NFL deals at $2.5 million.

Adding Danny Amendola for Texans, general manager Nick Caserio is going back to what he knows best. Amendola has always been reliable wide receiver, with Caserio working with him during his days with the New England Patriots.

Amendola played the past two seasons with the Detroit Lions where he made 15 starts and was active for 29 games, including five starts in 14 games in 2020.

In the two seasons with the Lions, Amendola caught 108 passes (166 targets) for 1,280 yards and one touchdown. Of his 108 receptions, 66 were for a first down, and he averaged 11.9 yards per reception with Detroit.

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Last season, Amendola had his career-best yards per reception average at 13.1, catching 66.7-percent of the passes that went his direction. On special teams in ’20 Amendola had three punt returns for 39 yards, including one return for 21 yards, so if needed Amendola  can help there as well.

This signing won’t change the trajectory of the Houston Texans in ’21, but it gives the wide receivers a veteran presence to go with Brandin Cooks, and adds to the depth chart of the team, which is always a good thing for any franchise. Maybe Amendola can help the younger receiver of the Texans because he knows what it takes for a team to be their very best.

Houston Texans: What the wide receiver depth chart looks like

Currently the depth chart of the Houston Texans consists of Cooks, Anthony Miller, Nico Collins, Chris Conley, and Andre Roberts. Adding Amendola to the mix helps, but what draws the most interest is seeing where-and-when Amendola will be used, and what in-game situations will work best for the 35-year old wide receiver.

One would expect that Amendola could be used for clutch first down receptions as he’s solid at that. He also won’t be getting the top coverage option from the defense with Cooks on the field, plus Collins and Miller will take top coverage over Amendola when in games. If the Texans use four wide receivers at once, Amendola can possibly draw a mismatch in coverage.

This addition of Amendola for a one-year contract is a good depth chart signing, and one that if it doesn’t work out the Texans didn’t break the bank. If it does work out, they gained a deal at a bargain, and the wide receivers will learn more along the way.