Could the Houston Texans’ biggest decision change the mind of one of their best players?
Houston Texans fans remember the one-year campaign of David Culley and how that entire season seemed to burn the bridge between Houston’s standout safety Justin Reid and the organization.
The benching incident hours before their matchup against the New York Jets is well-known at this point, and many teams have had their eyes on Reid as he prepares to enter free agency. Reid was expected to leave, but the decision to hire Lovie Smith as the team’s next head coach may have positively impacted Reid.
Reid talked with former NFL wide receiver and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ed McCaffrey. Both Reid and McCaffrey played at Stanford, so there must be an alumni connection here. When Reid was asked about Lovie Smith being hired, he had this to say:
Fun catching up with former @StanfordFball and current @HoustonTexans pending Free Agent Safety @JustinqReid. Talks about his future and respect for new Texans HC Lovie Smith. pic.twitter.com/8rF1eTWYSv
— Ed McCaffrey (@87ed) February 24, 2022
Houston Texans would be crazy to let Justin Reid walk without a significant contract offer
Reid referenced how Smith coaches his players and how much respect Smith has around the league. Playing for one of the better defensive coordinators would be enticing for any defensive player to change their mind and stick around.
Towards the end of the clip, Reid alludes to contract talks, which is when things will “unravel,” and a decision could be made. That’s just over two weeks away (the start of the new league year on March 16th). To have one of the better safeties in the league come back and stay would do wonders for the secondary.
A secondary that should improve under the guidance of Smith and whoever else is brought on from the draft and free agency.
To quote Don Henley, “Sometimes the best light you get is from a burning bridge.”