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. To kick things off we start within the division and look at the rival Tennessee Titans, Indianapolis Colts, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Tennessee Titans:
David Long, Linebacker
Long has spent the past four seasons in Tennessee since being drafted in the 6th round by the Titans. With each season came an increase in playing time, and he ended up being a starting inside linebacker in 2022. Long finished this past year on injured reserve with a hamstring injury, only playing in 12 games. He sports an aggressive style of play and is a strong and consistent tackler. He also is capable in pass coverage, showing good play recognition especially when it comes to recognizing play action.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
12 GP, 86 Tackles, 2 INT
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
2 Years / $9,871,568
Indianapolis Colts:
Bobby Okereke, Linebacker
Okereke was drafted by the Colts in the 3rd round of 2019, becoming a starter in 2021. Since coming into the league, he has steadily increased his production year over year. In two seasons as a starter, he has 283 tackles, two interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and a sack. He is a stout, instinctual defender in the running game and a sure tackler, missing less than eight percent of his tackles in the past two seasons. He also possesses speed and has performed adequately in coverage.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
17 GP, 151 Tackles, 6 TFL, 2 FF, 2 FR
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
2 Years / $4,692,450
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Arden Key, Defensive End
The Texans need help on the defensive line. Arden Key is a former 3rd round pick who has bounced around in his short time in the league. However, he seems to have hit his stride over the past two seasons, tallying 49 tackles, 11 sacks, one fumble recovery, and 32 QB hits. Key has shown explosiveness off the line and an ability to shed blocks quickly. He also has enough power to drive linemen into the pocket and get into the backfield in a hurry.
2022 Stats per Pro Football Reference:
17 GP, 27 Tackles, 5 TFL, 15 QB Hits, 4.5 Sacks, 1 FR
Projected Market Value per Spotrac:
2 Years / $22,713,973