NFL free agency is right around the corner and the Houston Texans have a ton of salary cap space. Not to mention, it was announced on Friday the NFL is raising the salary cap to $255.4 million, an increase over 13%.
Updated cap space leaders 👀💰 pic.twitter.com/VyBkrB4aj9
— PFF (@PFF) February 23, 2024
PFF has the Texans with the 7th-most cap space in the NFL at $67.5 million. So what should the Texans do with all of that money?
Several players have already been connected to the Texans. Houston is the betting favorite to land Buccaneers receiver Mike Evans, according to bookies.com.
And Giants running back Saquon Barkley has been rumored to have interest in joining the Texans after he followed many players on social media like Brevin Jordan, CJ Stroud, Nico Collins, and others.
But in the video above, Craig from Sports Talk Extra makes his case for the Texans to address the front seven. But not in the typical way by adding a defensive lineman. He believes DeMeco Ryans will have interest in signing Panthers middle linebacker Frankie Luvu based on an article he read of Texans Wire.
Luvu was originally an edge defender for the Jets, but now is an interior linebacker who has seen a ton of success over the last two years with Carolina. He's recorded over 100 tackles in his last two seasons, and also sacked the quarterback 5.5 times last season, and 7 times in 2022. You don't find many players with both that many tackles and sacks.
Linebacker Denzel Perryman struggled in coverage for the Texans last year, dealt with injuries, and is 31 years old. So with his contract now expired, the Texans should look to upgrade.
Spotrack has Luvu's market value at $11.2 million/year. They believe he will command a deal in the 4-year, $40 million range.
So should the Texans make the deal?
Check out the video above to watch the full discussion.
As we begin another week of MLB free agency, we still haven't seen any movement when it comes to Alex Bregman. Several reports are indicating that the market for Bregman is being impacted by Orioles outfielder Anthony Santander.
The thought being, Santander is expected to command less than Bregman, and teams are waiting to see how his market shakes out before making an offer to Breggy.
Which is interesting, because we're seeing reports about Santander softening his stance on demanding a four or five year deal. It appears he's willing to consider a shorter contract with a high yearly salary.
If that is indeed the case, should the Astros consider moving some salary if they can come to an agreement on a short-term deal with Santander?
In theory, trading Pressly's $14 million contract along with Victor Caratini's $6 million dollar deal could allow them to pay Santander $20 million. Of course finding a club to take on all of Pressly's money may not be realistic, but if they could pull it off, should they do it?
This move would weaken the bullpen and the depth at catcher, but the team still has Caesar Salazar to back up Yainer Diaz. And both Pressly and Caratini aren't likely to be back with the Astros anyway after their contracts expire after the 2025 season.
Should we be worried about the Rangers?
MLB Network's Robert Flores (huge Astros fan) joined the Locked on Astros YouTube channel last week and said he likes the Rangers chances to win the AL West this year, despite Vegas giving Houston better odds to win the World Series. Does he have a point?
Farewell to Justin Verlander
Verlander signed a one-year deal with the Giants last week, so it appears he's played his last game in an Astros uniform. But should we close the door on him being traded to Houston again if the 'Stros need another starter and the Giants are looking to move him at the deadline?
Plus, we share some of our favorite Verlander moments from the team's dynastic run!
Be sure to watch the video above as the guys from Stone Cold 'Stros break it all down! And be sure to share your favorite Verlander memories in the comment section on YouTube.