While the Houston Texans wait for Deshaun Watson to make his choice, these free agents should get an offer from Houston.
Deshaun Watson is taking his time to choose between which team he wants to join, and as painful as it is to wait, the offseason must go on. The Houston Texans can look to improve their team by getting some bargain signings no matter what happens in terms of compensation from the Watson trade.
These three players have the chance to make an impact and also take on cap-friendly deals that help keep Houston ready to take on the rest of the offseason and draft. Houston is looking to improve under Lovie Smith in his first season as the Texans’ head coach after serving as their defensive coordinator last year.
Davis Mills appears to be the quarterback Houston’s going to work around and assemble a roster. However, he’ll desperately need the rushing game to develop to help his best trait- throwing the ball deep.
Defensively, Houston lacked a pass rush last season with the fourth-least sacks (aka 28th in sacks) by a team. In terms of passing yards, Houston didn’t do too bad when it came to divisional games. They gave up most of their passing yards when they played teams outside of the AFC South.
Let’s get into our first player who can help the Houston Texans that is still available.
Melvin Gordon can shock the Houston Texans’ rushing game back to life
It’s hard to believe that Melvin Gordon is still a free agent, given that his former college quarterback now plays for the Broncos. Gordon split time with rookie Javonte Williams last season and formed one of the best rushing attacks that we’ve seen in quite some time. Williams and Gordon were the reason Denver had much of an offense at all.
Gordon himself had 203 attempts for 918 yards and eight touchdowns in that timeshare with Wiliams. Gordon would break that 1,000-yard barrier in Houston as the team’s lead running back, resulting in Gordon’s first such season since 2017 when he was a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
While it’s possible that Gordon opts to back to Denver to play with Wilson, the chance to be the undisputed top running back in a franchise could lure him away to Houston. Gordon could have similar success to Lamar Miller’s when he spent his time in H-Town.
Cordarrelle Patterson’s FLEX ability is rare, and the Houston Texans need it
Cordarrelle Patterson has done it all in his career. Kick returner, punt returner, running back, and wide receiver. He’s the east coast version of San Francisco’s Deebo Samuel. An experienced veteran that still possesses the elusiveness, agility, and speed to make him a threat no matter where he lines up on the field.
Patterson only had 548 yards receiving last year and six scores through the air and 618 rushing yards, and six scores. That’s incredible production for a two-position player. Patterson could be reliable out of the backfield for Mills, opening up Pep Hamilton’s offense.
Cordarrelle Patterson over the years ⚡️ @ceeflashpee84 (via @nflthrowback)pic.twitter.com/L0Zx28n6Vd
— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2021
Patterson could still provide a spark to Houston’s special teams, a unit that ended a 12-year drought for a kickoff return touchdown. It would be fun to see what Patterson could do for Houston’s offense, and Patterson should be offered a contract immediately.
Joe Haden can end his career with the Houston Texans
A 12-year veteran out of the University of Florida, Haden has been a solid performer for his entire career. With Haden possibly his last free agency, why not come to Houston and impart your wisdom to the younger corners?
It’s probably the last thing that Haden wants to do, as Haden hasn’t won a Super Bowl and could go to a contender. However, the chance to play for Lovie Smith could entice Haden to come down and be the CB2.
Behind Desmond King II, the Texans don’t have much depth a the cornerback position. Haden would fit that need. One concern for Haden is that he hasn’t played an entire season since 2019, and drafting a cornerback would have to be done within the first three rounds.
There are definitely worse options, but Haden can succeed if expectations are tempered a bit.