NFL free agency kicks off March 15th at 4 pm EST. The Houston Texans' new coaching staff and the front office have already started the process by reviewing the roster and their own pending free agents. As their attention starts to turn towards scouting for the draft and free agency, we look at every other team in the NFL and identify one free agent from each team that Houston should take a closer look at signing. We started with the AFC South and now we move on to the AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens:
Ben Powers, Guard
The guard position was a major weakness on the offensive line this past season. Powers has played the last four years in Baltimore after being drafted in the fourth round in 2019. He has good size at 6'4", 338 lbs, and shows an ideal balance of power and technique. He also possesses the quickness to effectively pull block and would be an instant upgrade on the offensive line.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Focus:
1,094 Snaps Played, 1 Penalty, 0 Sacks Allowed
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
3 Years / $28,365,155
Cincinnati Bengals:
Samaje Perine, Running Back
Perine will be entering his seventh season in the NFL at age 27, drafted in the fourth round by the Washington Commanders. During the past three seasons in Cincinnati, he was primarily a role player who came in to relieve Joe Mixon. However, he makes the most of his opportunities and is a tough, physical runner. Often taking multiple defenders to bring him down, he excels in short-yardage situations and fights for every yard. He also has developed a knack for pass-catching out of the backfield tallying 38 receptions this past year. A powerful runner, he would be a great compliment to Dameon Pierce in Houston. The two could potentially cause fits for opposing defenses next season.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
16 GP, 95 Rush, 394 Yds, 4.1 Yds/Att, 2 TDs, 38 Rec, 287 Yds, 4 TDs
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
1 Year / $3,006,605
Cleveland Browns:
Jacoby Brissett, Quarterback
All signs indicate that a quarterback will be drafted at No. 2 by the Houston Texans. Whether that's Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, or Will Levis, a capable veteran backup is essential. While Davis Mills remains on the roster, Jacoby Brissett would be a much better option. Becoming known as a bridge QB, as well as a top-tier backup, Brissett had a quietly good year in Cleveland. The Browns were competitive in almost every one of his starts. He is a smart decision-maker and uses his legs enough to make plays when nothing is there. Whether he begins the season as the starter or is thrust into the role due to injury, the Texans should be confident knowing they would have one of the best back-ups in the NFL.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
16 GP, 4-7 Record, 236/369 64%, 2,608 Yds, 12 TDs, 6 Int, 6 Fumbles, 88.9 QB Rating, 49 Rush, 243 Yds, 2 TDs
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
1 Year / $5,493,925
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Damontae Kazee, Safety
Kazee is a playmaker at safety and has shown it at each stop in his career. He is instinctive and a ball hawk, filling in nicely when Minkah Fitzpatrick went down with an injury during the season. He would be a solid addition and provide depth and flexibility in the secondary.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
9 GP, 20 Tackles, 2 INTs
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
1 Year / $1,187,500