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How the Houston Texans plan for 2023 is coming into focus
Mar 13, 2023, 4:33 pm
Case Keenum is returning to the Houston Texans. Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images.
Vikings QB Case Keenum
The Houston Texans signed their veteran quarterback, but it was not Jimmy Garoppolo.
Instead, the Texans signed Case Keenum to a two-year deal, according to multiple reports. The 35-year-old play caller has an extensive history with Houston. The University of Houston alumnus had two stints with the Texans going back to 2012-13 and 2014.
Garoppolo, who the Texans reportedly had interest in, agreed to a three-year, $67.5 million deal that includes $34 million in guaranteed money per Adam Schefter.
Houston’s move to bring in Keenum is a strong signal the team is eyeing selecting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last week it was believed the Texans wanted to bring in Garoppolo to give a young quarterback time to develop behind an established starter.
Jimmy G’s hefty contract is likely a big reason why that did not happen. With Keenum, the Texans bring in an experienced quarterback that has played every role in the NFL. The deal will not become official until Wednesday.
He started out his pro career as a third-string quarterback with Houston, became a journey man and grew into a bona fide starter, which culminated with the Minneapolis Miracle that sent the Minnesota Vikings into the NFC Championship game in the 2017 season playoffs.
Keenum spent last season as a backup to Josh Allen with the Buffalo Bills. Keenum will provide whatever young quarterback the Texans bring in — likely one of CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson or Will Levis — a wealth of knowledge to being a playcaller in the NFL.
He is also a player, who’s days of being a starter are in the rearview mirror. Additionally, it never hurts to bring back a hometown hero.
The signing of Keenum could also signal the end of Davis Mills’ days with the Texans. The Stanford product has been the primary starter for the past two seasons with Houston. Being a third-string quarterback behind Keenum and a new first-round quarterback seems unlikely.
Houston has also reportedly signed former Denver Broncos running back Mike Boone to a two-year deal. He rushed for 102 total yards in nine games in 2022. The Texans also reportedly signed former Cleveland Browns defensive end Chase Winovich, who spent three seasons with the New England Patriots.
Winovich played in eight games for the Browns in 2022. He made 20 total tackles and had one sack for Cleveland.
Editor's note:
The Texans and former 49ers DT Hassan Ridgeway have agreed on a 1-year deal worth up to $4 million, per ProFootballTalk. Ridgeway started 7 games for San Francisco last year and recorded 1 sack and 4 QB hits. His familiarity with DeMeco Ryans' defense will certainly help his transition to Houston.
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Oswald Peraza hit a two-run single in the ninth inning to help the Los Angeles Angels snap a three-game losing skid by beating the Houston Astros 4-1 on Saturday night.
Peraza entered the game as a defensive replacement in the seventh inning and hit a bases-loaded fly ball to deep right field that eluded the outstretched glove of Cam Smith. It was the fourth straight hit off Astros closer Bryan Abreu (3-4), who had not allowed a run in his previous 12 appearances.
The Angels third run of the ninth inning scored when Mike Trout walked with the bases loaded.
Kyle Hendricks allowed one run while scattering seven hits over six innings. He held the Astros to 1 for 8 with runners in scoring position, the one hit coming on Jesús Sánchez’s third-inning infield single that scored Jeremy Peña.
Reid Detmers worked around a leadoff walk to keep the Astros scoreless in the seventh, and José Fermin (3-2) retired the side in order in the eighth before Kenley Jansen worked a scoreless ninth to earn his 24th save.
Houston’s Spencer Arrighetti struck out a season-high eight batters over 6 1/3 innings. The only hit he allowed was Zach Neto’s third-inning solo home run.
Yordan Alvarez had two hits for the Astros, who remained three games ahead of Seattle for first place in the AL West.
Key moment
Peraza’s two-run single to deep right field that broke a 1-1 tie in the ninth.
Key Stat
Opponents were 5 for 44 against Abreu in August before he allowed four straight hits in the ninth.
Up next
Astros RHP Hunter Brown (10-6, 2.37 ERA) faces RHP José Soriano (9-9, 3.85) when the series continues Sunday.