Houston Texans signing former Bills, Panthers DL Mario Addison

The Houston Texans saw the draft market for defensive linemen and weren’t too happy with it.

That’s why such little emphasis was put on it during the draft, as the selection of Stanford’s Thomas Booker shows that. Even after signing Rasheem Green, Houston and general manager Nick Caserio aren’t done yet.

Houston has signed Mario Addison to a two-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network. Addison has bounced around the NFL, playing for four other teams other than the Texans.

Addison had his most productive stretch in Carolina, where he posted at least nine sacks per year from 2016 to 2019. In 2020, Addison went to Buffalo and was expected to carry on his hot streak. That didn’t happen as Addison disappointed and only posted five sacks on the season.

Houston Texans going for a low-risk, high reward contract with Mario Addison

Addison rebounded in 2021 by having seven sacks, but what will he do to upgrade the run defense? That was one of Houston’s many weaknesses last year that needed improving (especially the two games against the Colts).

If Addison performs well, then Houston got a bargain. But it’s not like they’re expecting the 11-year veteran out of Troy to be what he once was. Addison will look to reunite with Jacques Cesaire, one of his former coaches he worked with when he was in Buffalo.

We’ll see what Lovie Smith can do with Addison. Addison played under Sean McDermott in Carolina, and then Leslie Frazier (as his defensive coordinator) when in Buffalo. If Smith can’t revive Addison’s career, then nobody may be able to do so.

He’ll compete with Maliek Collins for the starting role. I predict that Collins will still be the starter, but Addison will have his moments in 2022.