EVERY-THING SPORTS
Caserio on the clock: The Texans have to hit, and hit big
Apr 20, 2022, 11:54 am
EVERY-THING SPORTS
When Texans general manager Nick Caserio took the job, he knew what he was up against. He knew there was an uphill battle in trying to rebuild this team into a playoff caliber team worthy of fan angst over not advancing to an AFC Championship game. The team was saddled with bad contracts, stars that wanted out, not enough talent, and a reputation for being dysfunctional. Factor all of that along with the fact that Caserio was long the apple of their collective eyes for at least two years or so, and you get why he accepted the job and got a six-year contract. I mean, the ship isn't going to steer itself straight.
Long before J.J. Watt made that video about demanding his release and well before Deshaun Watson's whole mess, there was a video of the pair leaving the field at the end of the 2020 season that foreshadowed how difficult a road Caserio would have.
"I'm sorry, we wasted one of your years."
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) January 5, 2021
Watt to Watson after a tough season. pic.twitter.com/mcTVK3ZeJG
Watt was recorded apologizing to Watson about wasting one of his prime years. The irony was heavy because Watt was just about past his prime while Watson was entering his. Neither would play another down for the team. Enter Caserio on his white horse from the Northeastern team the folks on Kirby worship. He was seen as their savior then. Now, he's on the clock to prove whether the hype is real, or just cap.
The Watson trade provided Caserio with enough ammo this draft and the next two that he can shoot his shot in a myriad of ways. Season that with getting the cap under control, and you have the beginnings of a decent meal. With not having a first-round pick or a winning record since 2019, the fans are starving for some real excitement. While this quarterback class lacks star power, the team is set on giving Davis Mills a shot this season at being the man. That means they'll most likely draft best player available. Next year's quarterback class is expected to be much better. They own two first rounders in that draft as well (theirs and the Browns).
Cheap labor boosts profit margins because it lowers operating costs. In NFL terms: guys producing at a high level on rookie contracts gives you more cap space to fill in the roster with vets that command higher salaries. If Caserio wants to set his legacy more towards the right Bill (Belichick, not O'Brien) in this category, he'll be off to a great start. Belichick found guys that fit his system at almost every level. From first rounders to undrafted free agents to the occasional vet free agent, he found a way to field a team that fit his coaching style. Caserio had a front row seat to it all. O'Brien seemed to tie his decisions to his feelings/emotions. Hence, why guys like DeAndre Hopkins found themselves traded for pennies on the dollar and the cupboard left bare for Caserio.
Armed with this much ammo, Caserio has to hit and hit big. It all starts with numbers three and thirteen overall in this draft. Those two guys, along with this whole rookie class, will go a long way into determining what Caserio's legacy will be. If Mills can defy the odds and become even a low-end franchise quarterback, Caserio will look even better. Nico Collins has shown promise going into his second year as well. But last year's draft class won't be held to the same standard as Caserio's first full draft class. Especially since some of these picks are the result of trading Watson. It's time for Caserio to bleep or get off the pot, as I've been told. No more excuses.
Houston Texans fans have been waiting to hear the latest on the status of wide receiver Stefon Diggs after he left Sunday's game with a knee injury.
We received a disappointing update from Adam Schefter on Tuesday.
What makes the season-ending torn ACL worse for Stefon Diggs is that he is on an expiring contract and set to become a free agent this off-season. https://t.co/pVIIy7jEkk
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2024
Diggs will miss the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL. Fortunately for the Texans, the trade deadline is still a few days away.
If Houston would like to add some depth to the position, Giants WR Darius Slayton would make a lot of sense. He's played well this year (29 rec, 420 yards), and is a free agent after the 2024 season.
So he shouldn't cost too much draft capital if the Texans decide to make a deal.
Panthers receiver Diontae Johnson would have been the obvious choice, but he was just traded to the Ravens.
Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers could be another option. But he's still under contract for the 2025 season, so his price tag may scare off the Texans.
Jets receiver Mike Williams could be under consideration. His role has taken a backseat with the addition of Davante Adams. He has two seasons with over 1,000 yards in his career. He'll be a free agent after the season.
On the low end, Patriots WR KJ Osborn could be another possibility. Osborn is on a one-year deal and only has 7 catches for 57 yards this year.
Osborn recorded over 540 receiving yards in three straight seasons for the Vikings before signing with the Patriots after the 2023 season.
If the Texans decide to hold tight, Nico Collins is expected to return next week for their matchup with the Lions.
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