The Houston Texans season is starting very soon. And by that I mean training camp. Now, for many people training camp is nothing to worry about, or even read into. However, I feel it’s not a true statement in the Texans case.
For most teams in this league, they aren’t relying solely upon their rookies. That is not the case when it comes to the Texans. Between Derek Stingley, Kenyon Green, John Metchie III, and Christian Harris, the Texans are going to have a lot of pressure on their rookies.
It’s with that thought that makes training camp so important. But not for the reason that you think.
When it comes to the Texans, they are going into the season expecting the most out of their prospects, but those expectations may be misplaced. I mean, how many rookies can come in day one and compete to the level we are expecting them too? The answer is not many.
So in training camp, I don’t expect the coaches to be looking at their rookies. No. I expect the coaching staff to be looking at their NFL readiness and rather or not they need to add more veteran leadership to their roster.
It’s for that reason that I expect training camp to be so important. So with that being said, here are five names still available that I feel the Texans should sign.
5.) JC Tretter, C
The Houston Texans offensive line is not in great shape. Outside of Laremy Tunsil, there is no one on the line that I feel deserves to be starting. That’s why this signing is something I feel the Texans should consider.
Tretter was a big part to the Cleveland Browns offensive line, and now he could be a big part to the developing Texans offensive line. Adding Tretter would give the Texans a proven center who still has a lot to offer a team if given a shot. After all, let’s not forget that the only reason he was cut was to clear money so they could sign Deshaun Watson to a massive contract.
At this point in time, Tretter will not be looking for much money. It’s also for that reason that I feel signing him is a good move for the organization.
4.) Joe Schobert, ILB
Joe Schobert made a name for himself in Cleveland before signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2020 off-season. Schobert’s increase in production made him one of the more sought after linebackers in free agency and the Jaguars ended up getting him.
Following an incredible season with the Jaguars, they decided to trade him away to the Pittsburgh Steelers. That move, although it seemed like a good move at the time, turned out to be rather depressing for Steelers fans.
He didn’t exactly bounce back after being traded away and now he’s struggling to find a job. But the Texans could be a potential suitor for him.
The Texans linebacker group is not great on paper, and I don’t think that’ll change during the season. They have many names on their roster that really should not be on a NFL roster. If the Texans were to go after Schobert, they would be getting a sure-fire, starting caliber linebacker.
3.) Chris Harris, CB
The Texans are lacking cornerback depth. On their roster currently they have: Derek Stingley, Steven Nelson, Fabian Moreau and Desmond King. Is that fine with you all? Additionally, do you really want Steven Nelson being one of the guys coaching up Stingley? No way.
The Texans need to add a veteran that can help bridge Stingley into learning the NFL defense and NFL style offenses. Chris Harris can definitely check off both of those boxes given his success.
Harris, since leaving the Broncos, has been trying to be the player he once was. But he isn’t anymore. He’s been battling injuries the past couple seasons and they are only going to get worse as he gets older. But once again, that’s not the purpose of the signing. The purpose of this signing would be to help ease Stingley into the NFL.
Harris has always been known as one of the best lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL, but his time in the league is coming to an end. So, with that being said, he could be looking to just find time on the field while taking a more leadership role. That’s what the Texans would be hoping for.
2.) Will Fuller IV, WR
This signing would be very controversial I’m sure. He’s had injury problems his entire career, and then he had the PED suspension. Honestly, his career has just been really weird. Because we know better than anyone, when he played- he was great. But the big thing with that statement was “When”.
So, why would the Texans even consider bringing him back? Well, the way I see it, there are a couple reasons.
First, the Texans have a better receiving core this season than they have in previous seasons. So, his snap count will not be as high as it has in the past. They could manage his snap count in order to hopefully get him further into the season before he gets hurt.
Second, Fuller, when he was on the field and healthy, was great. I’m sure we all remember the Thanksgiving game against the Lions. No one can say that he isn’t a good receiver when healthy. He just doesn’t stay healthy. But in this case, that’s no really mandatory.
Fuller is going to sign cheap and you’re not expecting him to come in and be a receiver one. Except, he can produce like a receiver one. I think he could be a good pickup for this team if he would come back.
1.) Landon Collins, S
The Houston Texans are having a hard time in the secondary. They drafted Jalen Pitre this year which I actually loved. But, having lost Justin Reid, the Texans secondary is a problem.
Like all the other names that I have mentioned, Collins is probably just looking for the chance to sign with a team and would probably go anywhere cheap just to get himself on the field and hopefully earn himself a bigger deal at the end of the season.
Collins, since becoming a Washington Commander, hasn’t really played at the level he once was with the Giants. But, he still has a lot to offer a team. Or at the very least, he’s not going to make a team like the Texans worse.
I think Collins could be a very good get for the Texans.