Houston Texans Free Agents - Re-sign or Let Walk?

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Houston Texans v Dallas Cowboys | Tom Pennington/GettyImages

While the Texans have been there since January 9th, this week officially kicked off the NFL off-season. The next two big events in the calendar are the scouting combine at the end of February and the beginning of free agency, which kicks off on March 15th. In the meantime, the Texans continue to build their coaching staff and assess their current roster. With that in mind, we look at the impending Texans free agents and predict whether they should be re-signed or if Houston should let them walk come March 15th.  

Upcoming Free Agents per Spotrac: 

Jordan Akins, TE 

Stats: 14 GP, 33 Rec, 425 Yds, 3 TDs, 1 Fumble 

PFF Grade: 72.4 

Akins has been a steady presence for the Houston Texans since 2018, playing in 72 games. The third leading receiver from this season, he should be re-signed and hold down the No. 2 Tight End role.

Re-sign

Kyle Allen, QB 

Stats: 2 GP, 46/78 (59%), 416 Yds, 2 TDs, 4 Ints, 6 Att, 13 Yds, 4 Fumbles; QB Rating: 60.63 

PFF Grade: 27.0 

One year of Allen is enough. Driskel performed better and can provide competition to Davis Mills for the backup role.

Let Walk

Rex Burkhead, RB 

Stats: 15 GP, 26 Atts, 80 Yds, 1 Rush TD, 36 Rec 203 Yds 1 TD 

PFF Grade: 59.1 

5th on the team in rushing and 5th on the team in receiving this season. A running back who is 32 years old going into next season, it's time to move on. Better production can be provided by a younger running back in free agency or the draft while complementing Pierce.

Let Walk

Blake Cashman, LB 

Stats: 15 GP, 12 Tackles, 3 Sacks

PFF Grade: 54.0 

Cashman provides decent depth at the linebacker position, producing three sacks this season over 15 games. However, his value is on special teams as he was a top 40 special teams player in the NFL this past season.

Re-sign

Phillip Dorsett, WR 

Stats: 15 GP, 20 Rec, 257 Yds, 1 TD, 2 Drops 

PFF Grade: 55.7 

A 30-year-old former first-round pick, Dorsett ranked behind both Chris Moore and Nico Collins in yards and receptions.

Let Walk

Jeff Driskel, QB 

Stats: 12/18 (66.7%), 95 Yds 1 TD, 17 Atts 68 Yds, QB Rating: 98.15

PFF Grade: 68.0 

The Texans are rumored to have told coaching candidates that the 2nd pick will be used on a quarterback. That makes it clear that if Davis Mills remains on the roster he'll "compete" (the pretend training camp battle that happens every year across the league) or be the backup. Driskel has enough athleticism to keep around for camp or as a 3rd quarterback, maybe even fill a Taysom Hill-type role.

Re-sign

Royce Freeman, RB 

Stats: 3 GP, 34 Atts, 102 Yds, 5 Rec 31 Yds 

PFF Grade: 59.2 

Freeman would be at best a camp body. The Texans should bring in new talent to the position instead.

Let Walk

Rasheem Green, DE 

Stats: 15 GP, 41 Tackles, 3.5 Sacks 

PFF Grade: 62.4 

The Texans need help on the defensive line both through the draft and free agency. Green did not produce as hoped on a one-year $3.25 million deal, but the Texans could consider bringing him back for another go at the right price.

Re-sign

Neville Hewitt, ILB 

Stats: 13 GP, 4 Tackles 

PFF Grade: 67.3 

Another special teams standout, ranking in the top 50 of special teams players in the NFL. Bring him back and keep continuity within the unit.

Re-sign

O.J. Howard, TE 

Stats: 16 GP, 10 Rec 145 Yds, 2 TDs 

PFF Grade: 56.2 

Tampa's former first-round pick is a bust. Let him go and bring in others to compete for the starting role.

Let Walk

Justin McCray, G 

Stats: 12 GP, 151 Snaps, 3 Penalties 

PFF Grade: 41.4 

The Texans need serious help along the interior of the offensive line. McCray graded out as one of the worst guards in football when he played. Time to move on.

Let Walk

Chris Moore, WR 

Stats: 15 GP, 46 Rec, 526 Yds, 2 TDs, 3 Drops 

PFF Grade: 63.2 

The second leading receiver on the team, he played well enough that he should earn another contract.

Re-sign

Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, OLB 

Stats: 16 GP, 43 Tackles, 5 Sacks, 1 FF 

PFF Grade: 75.1 

One of the defensive standouts from this season, this is a no-brainer.

Re-sign

Jonathan Owens, S 

Stats: 16 GP, 117 Tackles, 1 Sack 

PFF Grade: 48.3 

A tackling machine at the Safety position, but a bit suspect in coverage as he allowed 23 receptions on 36 targets. I think he warrants bringing back on a one or two-year team-friendly deal. Bring in others to compete for the starting role via the draft or free agency and see who wins out.

Re-sign

Kevin Pierre-Louis, OLB 

Stats: 2 GP, 3 Tackles 

PFF Grade: 45.8 

Pierre-Louis hardly played this season, as he went on IR in September. His role was minimal, and at age 31 coming off an injury, it's best to move on for Houston.

Let Walk

Scott Quessenberry, C 

Stats: 15 GP, 990 Snaps, 2 Penalties, 7 Sacks 

PFF Grade: 36.6 

No question to let Quessenberry walk as he graded out to be one of the worst centers in the league.

Let Walk

Derek Rivers OLB 

Stats: 5 GP, 9 Tackles, 1 Sack

PFF Grade: No Grade

A minimal role player on the defensive line, he would be at best a camp body signing. Move on and bring in fresh faces.

Let Walk

Tremon Smith, CB 

Stats: 16 GP, 13 Tackles, 3 FF, 2 INT 

PFF Grade: 65.5 

Depth, versatility, and playmaking ability are always in demand. Tremon Smith showed that this season on both defense and special teams.

Re-sign

Taylor Stallworth, DT 

Stats: 7 GP, 8 Tackles 

PFF: 35.3 

See Derek Rivers above.

Let Walk

M.J. Stewart, SS 

Stats: 16 GP, 24 tackles, 1 FF 

PFF Grade: 70.1 

Another special teams standout, ranking in the top 10. Let him keep contributing there and see if he can push Owens and others in camp at Safety.

Re-sign

Tavierre Thomas, CB 

Stats: 9 GP, 30 Tackles, 2 FF 

PFF: 70.0 

Another corner that showed some playmaking ability in limited time on the field. Cornerback depth is a great thing to have, especially come training camp.

Re-sign

Jon Weeks, LS 

Re-sign the long snapper, no question about this one.

Re-sign

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