Houston Texans appear to be maneuvering for even more after latest splashy moves

KEEP THE MOVES COMING!

Houston Texans appear to be maneuvering for even more after latest splashy moves
We can't wait to see what the Texans do next! Composite Getty Image.

The Houston Texans started off slow on Day 1 of free agency, but you could argue they won Day 2. First, they traded for Bengals RB Joe Mixon. While Mixon was not a free agent, he would have been had the Texans not traded a 7th round pick to bring him to Houston.

But the next move to come was something fans have long been waiting for. Instead of signing another mid-market player, GM Nick Caserio went all-in by signing the best pass rusher on the market, Danielle Hunter.

Now when we look back at what the Texans did on Day 1 with some context, those decisions look even better. Denico Autry was brought in to play alongside Will Anderson and Hunter. Not be the one-to-one replacement for Jonathan Greenard.

And the signing of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair also looks like a great move. He should be an immediate upgrade at the position. His experience in San Francisco has us believing he was handpicked by DeMeco. Not just a player they added that fit their budget.

Plus, the addition of cornerback Jeff Okudah looks more like a low-risk move to add depth at the position. Not a crown jewel in free agency.

Seeing the puzzle come together, instead of reacting in the moment, can greatly change one's perspective.

Speaking of which, the Texans traded defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers on Wednesday for a 7th round pick. Which should save the team a little over 2.5 million in cap space in 2024. On the surface, this deal doesn't make a ton of sense.

But a move like this could lead to the Texans signing 49ers DT Arik Armstead or another player Houston has in their crosshairs.

The Texans reportedly have interest in Armstead, could he be the next big move coming?

Be sure to watch the video above as we discuss why DeMeco was willing to move on from Collins, and how we're seeing a pattern from the Texans that could give us some clues about their next big move.

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The Astros beat the Cubs, 2-0. Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images.

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.

Valdez (9-4) struck out six while allowing five hits and two walks.

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.

Key Moment

Altuve’s fifth inning, two-run homer to break the scoreless tie.

Key Stat

The Astros are unbeaten in their last 11 series, dating back to May 22, going 9-0-2 in that span.

Up Next

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).

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