How latest report indicates Houston Texans have taken another step as a franchise
MONEY TALKS
01 April 2024
MONEY TALKS
The Houston Texans have received a lot of praise for their approach to free agency, especially the signing of Danielle Hunter, the best pass-rusher on the market.
But things could have gone very different. Just before the weekend, it was revealed that the Colts actually offered Hunter more money, but he opted to join the Texans instead.
While geography likely played a role in his decision, he grew up in Katy, the Texans' ability to quickly turn things around and become a legit contender had to be the deciding factor.
With DeMeco Ryans, CJ Stroud, and Will Anderson leading the team for the foreseeable future, Hunter must have liked his chances better in Houston.
Hunter will be thirty years old this season, so he's starting to run out of time if he wants to win a Super Bowl before he retires. Which explains why he would pick the Texans over the Colts.
The Colts weren't bad last season, and they do have a talented roster with a respected GM and head coach. But the quarterback situation is a bit of an unknown, with rookie Anthony Richardson missing most of the season with a shoulder injury.
In fact, the Colts took some heat for their approach to free agency. They re-signed a lot of their own players, but didn't make splashy moves like the Texans did. Clearly, they were hoping that Hunter would be their big free agent pickup, but he preferred joining the Texans, even if it was for less money.
As a Texans fan, this feels great. The organization was considered arguably the worst franchise in the NFL over the last several seasons. And, now, players not only want to join the team, but they're willing to take less money to come to Houston? Quite the turnaround DeMeco and GM Nick Caserio have pulled off.
A lot can happen in a year.
Be sure to check out the above below as Craig from Sports Talk Extra reacts to the news.
Jose Altuve hit a two-run homer and Framber Valdez tossed six shutout innings, and the Houston Astros beat the Chicago Cubs 2-0 on Sunday.
Altuve’s 13th home run of the season broke a scoreless tie in the fifth inning. It was his first extra base hit in 34 at bats and the Astros' only extra base hit of the game.
ALTUVE FOR THE LEAD!!!#BuiltForThis pic.twitter.com/1rX89783yx
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.
Starring The Framchise.#BuiltForThis x @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/sNReaztMjl
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 29, 2025
Only one man reached third base against him. He exited with two on and nobody out in the seventh, but Bryan Abreu replaced him and retired Michael Busch, Vidal Bruján and Ian Happ to work out of trouble.
Abreu pitched a 1-2-3 eighth inning. He struck out four of the six men he faced.
Josh Hader retired the side in order in the ninth inning to convert on his franchise record 23rd straight save opportunity to start the season.
Jameson Taillon (7-6) matched zeroes with Valdez until Altuve’s home run on his 107th and final pitch of his outing. He struck out four while giving up five hits and one walk over 4 2/3 innings.
The bullpen trio of Ryan Brasier, Ryan Pressly and Brad Keller held the Astros to two hits over 3 1/3 innings.
Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.
The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.
The Cubs open a three-game series against the Guardians on Tuesday with LHP Matthew Boyd (7-3 2.65 ERA) against RHP Gavin Williams (5-3 3.68 ERA).
The Astros open a three-game series at the Rockies on Tuesday with LHP Colton Gordon (3-1 3.98 ERA) against RHP Chase Dollander (2-8 6.06 EA).