FREE AGENCY FRENZY
How the Houston Texans plan for 2023 is coming into focus
Mar 13, 2023, 4:33 pm
FREE AGENCY FRENZY
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.
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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