The Houston Texans have 28 unrestricted free agents. Unfortunately, only two of them are worth keeping.
There were many veteran signings performed by Houston Texans GM Nick Caserio last year. Unfortunately, in 2022, there could also be a mass exodus of veterans and young players alike. Looking back at the season, only three should come back to the team.
These two made some of the more memorable impacts of all the names on the list, and with the pending head coaching search that is moving along at a snail’s pace, who knows what kind of influence that will have on the roster.
As for the entire list of unrestricted and restricted free agents, be sure to check out our free-agent tracker. This has been on the site for a little bit, and it will be updated anytime the Houston Texans make a free-agent signing and whatever happens to the players on the list.
MUST-READ: 2022 Houston Texans Free Agent tracker: Who left, who joined?
Danny Amendola leads off the three Houston Texans who need to return
Amendola started off the season well, just like Tyrod Taylor did, but also got hurt in Week 2. If Amendola stayed healthy, then he certainly would have had more than three touchdowns on the year.
The season finale is a key indicator of what Amendola can do for this offense. Amendola exploded for a season-high 113 yards and two scoring grabs in the Texans’ furious comeback. Amendola is just as effective as he was during his younger years with Tom Brady throwing him the ball in New England. However, Amendola needs more targets, only getting 38 all season.
Seven of those came in the Miami game, which was a downright brutal performance, in which Taylor was coming off of his ankle injury and played an abysmal game that was loaded with turnovers.
Player number two that needs to come back for the Houston Texans:
Chris Conley is the second player the Houston Texans must bring back, as Conley ended up with 37 targets on the season (the same as Amendola) but posted 323 yards. Conley’s best game came against New England, and if it weren’t for a late-game choke, it would’ve been one heck of an upset win.
Conley also starred late in the season against the Los Angeles Chargers with three catches for 60 yards and a score. These two players are essential to growing a more lethal wide receiving corps. With more time with Davis Mills, the connection between them can succeed.
Just missed the cut: LB Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Grugier-Hill did have a 100-tackle season and was a steady rock for the Texans all season. However, it’s hard to see him coming back to a team that’s in a rebuilding mode. Expect KGH to leave in free agency and go to a playoff contender.