Eric Reid a potential target

Did Tashaun Gipson's release open the door to an Eric Reid signing?

Did Tashaun Gipson's release open the door to an Eric Reid signing?

The Houston Texans are still in the premature stages of revamping their roster ahead of the 2020 season, but Bill O'Brien saw fit to make another significant move. On Monday, the Texans announced the release of veteran safety Tashaun Gipson after one season in Houston.

Highlighted by Justin Reid, the third-year safety out of Stanford University in 2018, the Texans have a solid group at the position with the offseason acquisition of Eric Murray, Michael Thomas and Jaylen Watkins. Unfortunately, neither of the three may be capable to replace what Gipson brought to the field each week last season. Although it is not an essential need, it may be in Houston's best interest to add a new safety prior to the start of training camp, but the market is extremely thin with the draft now an event of the past.

With little options available, the decision to part ways with Gipson will give the Texans an opportunity to sign free agent safety, Eric Reid as a potential replacement.

While his outspoken antics may have played a factor in his surprise lack of interest around the league, that has not stopped O'Brien from expressing some thoughts into signing the one-time Pro-Bowler. Earlier this month, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle reported that Reid's brother, Justin, vouched for the idea to sign the veteran free agent, and O'Brien has considered the move.

After two solid seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Reid continues to find himself unemployed since his release in March. As one of the most reliable safeties in the league, he posted a career-best 130 tackles (97 solo hits, 33 assists), six pass deflections, five quarterback hits, and 4.0 sacks across 16 games in 2019. His best outing of the season came during a 34-31 loss against the New Orleans Saints — where Reid recorded a team-high 15 tackles on the day.

If Reid had played on a playoff-caliber team last season instead of the 5-11 Panthers, his on-field production would have been valued similarly to his days with the 49ers. Not only would Houston have the opportunity to add a reliable safety, but one who would be the perfect — and even better — addition to replace what Gipson brought to the Texans' gridiron.

In his lone year in Houston, Gipson recorded 51 tackles (37 solo hits, 14 assists) and three interceptions during the 2019 season. Gipson originally signed a three-year deal with the Texans following his departure from the Jacksonville Jaguars last offseason.

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Kyle Tucker returns to Houston this weekend. Composite Getty Image.

Two first-place teams, identical records, and a weekend set with serious measuring-stick energy.

The Houston Astros and Chicago Cubs open a three-game series Friday night at Daikin Park, in what could quietly be one of the more telling matchups of the summer. Both teams enter at 48-33, each atop their respective divisions — but trending in slightly different directions.

The Astros have been red-hot, going 7-3 over their last 10 while outscoring opponents by 11 runs. They've done it behind one of the best pitching staffs in baseball, with a collective 3.41 ERA that ranks second in the American League. Houston has also been dominant at home, where they’ve compiled a 30-13 record — a stat that looms large heading into this weekend.

On the other side, the Cubs have held their ground in the NL Central but have shown some recent shakiness. They're 5-5 over their last 10 games and have given up 5.66 runs per game over that stretch. Still, the offense remains dangerous, ranking fifth in on-base percentage across the majors. Kyle Tucker leads the way with a .287 average, 16 homers, and 49 RBIs, while Michael Busch has been hot of late, collecting 12 hits in his last 37 at-bats.

Friday’s pitching matchup features Houston’s Brandon Walter (0-1, 3.80 ERA, 1.10 WHIP) and Chicago’s Cade Horton (3-1, 3.73 ERA, 1.29 WHIP), a promising young arm making one of his biggest starts of the season on the road. Horton will have his hands full with Isaac Paredes, who’s slugged 16 homers on the year, and Mauricio Dubón, who’s found a groove with four home runs over his last 10 games.

It’s the first meeting of the season between these two clubs — and if the trends continue, it may not be the last time they cross paths when it really counts.

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Astros -112, Cubs -107; over/under is 8 1/2 runs

Here's a preview of Joe Espada's Game 1 lineup.

The first thing that stands out is rookie Cam Smith is hitting cleanup, followed by Jake Meyers. Victor Caratini is the DH and is hitting sixth. Christian Walker is all the way down at seventh, followed by Yainer Diaz, and Taylor Trammell who is playing left field.

How the mighty have fallen.

Pretty wild to see Walker and Diaz hitting this low in the lineup. However, it's justified, based on performance. Walker is hitting a pathetic .214 and Diaz is slightly better sporting a .238 batting average.

Screenshot via: MLB.com



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