Houstontexans.com
About two weeks ago, Fred Faour wrote an article saying the Texans should go all in this offseason, specifically in free agency. His argument for "pushing their chips to the middle of the table" was compelling. It included players to keep (their own free agents), obvious needs, cap impact, and other needs. While I agree with Fred, for the most part, I'm going to attempt to make a more detailed look at potential free agent targets for the Texans this offseason.
RB Tevin Coleman, 6'1 205lbs
Tevin Coleman
Lynn Bass atlantafalcons.com
All the potential LeVeon Bell talk should be squashed. Bell wants too much money and the Texans (specifically GM Brian Gaine via Cody Stoots) already said Lamar Miller is their starting running back next season, you can't resist the temptation to improve the position. Sure, Lamar Miller has been serviceable, and third year back D'Onta Foreman showed flashes his rookie year, but Foreman hasn't been able to show those flashes after recovering from an Achilles injury and Miller has yet to have more than 1,100 yards or 10 touchdowns in a season. Coleman will command around a $5 million dollar yearly salary which is about $2 million dollars less on average than Miller. Getting younger and more explosive for a cheaper price is a no-brainer.
CB Trevor Williams 5'11 191lbs
Trevor Williams
chargers.com
Corner is a position of more dire need for the Texans. Considering Kareem Jackson is a 30+ year old unrestricted free agent, Jonathan Joseph is eligible for senior living community, and Kevin Johnson is the new Mr. Glass, the position is in need of bodies, and talent. Lance Zierlein has been saying the Texans are looking for size/speed guys at this position. Williams ran a 4.44 40 yard dash coming out of college. Coming off a season-ending knee injury last season after a standout 2017 season, Williams may be had on the cheap relative to some other corners. I expect him to command somewhere around a $5-8 million dollar salary yearly. He may even sign a relatively low guarantee deal, similar to Tyrann Mathieu's one-year prove-it deal last year.
OT Ja'Wuan James 6'6 312lbs
Ja'Wuan James
nfl.com
Offensive line help for this team is more than a necessity. This team needs offensive line help more than most fish need water. James is a former first round pick who's potential former team, the Dolphins, is in disarray. He'll be 27 years old by the time next season starts which is prime age for lineman. He'll likely command upwards of $10 million dollars on average yearly salary, but that can be finagled by structuring the deal to contain more guaranteed money on the first couple years of a four or five year deal. He displayed his toughness by playing through injury last season. That's something you want from guys in the trenches.
WR Phillip Dorsett 5'10 192lbs
Phillip Dorsett
Jim Davis, Boston Globe
Here's another speed guy that could be a potential gamebreaker for the Texans. With Will Fuller and Keke Coutee proving to be fragile as field stretchers opposite of DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans have a need for speed. Sure, a more proven route runner or slot receiver would be a better option if those guys are all healthy, but why not light a fire under them by signing a potential replacement? He'll come cheap given that he's a one trick pony and there are more proven vets on the market that provide a similar skill set. I'm guessing a $2-3 million dollar yearly average at most.
These are just some of the free agents I've looked at on a preliminary basis for the Texans at positions I believe they need to fill. Honorable mention goes to: QB Tyrod Taylor; WRs Cordalle Patterson, Randall Cobb, and Breshad Perriman; as well as CBs Steven Nelson, Bryce Callahan, and Darqueze Dennard.This isn't a prediction or projection list. It's merely me doing some research and trying to project decent fits for a good price considering the free agent market. I don't care if you agree or disagree. I'm simply trying to spark a discussion or debate based around my opinions. Feel free to contact me and let me know how good or bad you think my suggestions are. And as always, thanks for reading.
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4 important elements that could tip the scales in Texans-Colts matchup
Oct 25, 2024, 2:30 pm
This week, the Houston Texans take on the Colts in a matchup with division supremacy on the line. If the Texans are able to come away with a victory, they will own the tiebreaker over Indy and enjoy a comfortable lead in the division.
However, a loss to the Colts means the Texans will be in a virtual tie with Indy in the AFC South. So what do the Texans need to do to secure a win?
On offense, they'll have to do a much better job of protecting CJ Stroud. In their last game against the Packers, Stroud faced immense pressure on third downs, with 12 of his 14 dropbacks resulting in pressure.
During one series, Stroud was flushed from the pocket and forced to scramble on three straight plays. They have to clean up the protection, or it will be another long day for the offense.
Fortunately for the Texans, this game is at home. So hopefully the communication issues the Texans o-line dealt with on the road last week won't be an issue at NRG.
Rushing attack
Houston can't afford to rely solely on Joe Mixon and the run game to carry the offense. While Mixon has been terrific, contributing significantly in recent weeks, the Texans will need a balanced attack. Which means Stroud must have time to operate in the pocket.
Bulls on parade
The defense last week was another story for the Texans. They played well against Green Bay, limiting them to 24 points. This week, they face a very different type of quarterback. Anthony Richardson is dead last in passer rating and completion percentage, so that's definitely working in their favor.
We know what Richardson can do with his legs, and Indy is expecting running back Jonathan Taylor to return from an ankle injury, so the rushing defense will be tested.
Richardson's accuracy is certainly a weakness, but he does throw a good deep ball that gave the defense problems in Week 1 this season.
What does Vegas think?
The Texans are favored by 5 points and the total is set at 45.5 points.
This is one video you don't want to miss as we share our in-depth breakdown of the game, as well as our predictions for Sunday's contest.
For Texans’ conversation, catch Brandon Strange, Josh Jordan, and Charlie Pallilo on our Texans On Tap podcasts. Thursdays feature a preview of the upcoming game, and then we go live (then available on demand) after the final gun of the game: Texans on Tap - YouTube
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Fans of Houston sports and Houston food can now score tickets to The Tailgate, CultureMap's all-out party devoted to everyone’s favorite way to get in the gameday spirit. The event, presented by Verizon, goes down from 6-9 pm November 11 at 8th Wonder. Find out more about it here.