For the NFL March Madness isn’t in the form of 64 teams looking to get one prize; but rather 32 teams looking for pieces that can get them to that one championship in January. NFL free agency is right around the corner and the Texans could definitely use some fixing up A year after winning the division, the team fell flat, finishing last in the division due to a number of injuries. But now the team could be bouncing back to AFC South with returning stars such as defensive end J.J. Watt and last season’s rookie sensation, quarterback Deshaun Watson. However, there are still some questions to be answered and holes to be filled. Particularly, on the defensive side of the ball, which finished 32nd at the end of last season. In addition to that, the offensive line didn’t exactly put its best foot forward. However, there are answers in each of this year’s free agent categories.
Offensive line
Let’s start with the everybody’s favorite excuse on a poor season: the offensive line. One of the big names that are out there is former New England Patriot Nate Solder. Texans head coach Bill O’ Brien (sidenote: almost wrote Belichick) already has brought half of the Patriots dynasty to H-Town, he might as well boost one of the weakest components of last year with another former member of the Church of Latter Day Belichick. Given the injuries along the offensive front, guard Zach Fulton could prove to be someone as a reliable fit given the fact he has only missed one game in his 4 year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tight End
The tight ends were good in 2016 but also suffered injuries last season for their regression. Tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz only played in 5 games for the year while his backup, Stephen Anderson, flourished a little with 25 catches for 342 yards and one touchdown. If the Texans want to compete with the improving Jacksonville Jaguars defense, they are going to need some more production from that group. Both Seattle Seahawks tight ends Jimmy Graham and Luke Wilson will be on the market and could fit in different ways. It will remain to be seen if Graham still has the deep threat ability that put him on the map with the New Orleans Saints. Even if he doesn’t, his 10 touchdowns from last season shows he has some playmaking ability that will get you possession and increase scoring chances. Wilson was primarily the 2nd option at tight end, similar to how the Patriots used former tight end Aaron Hernandez.
Secondary
A lot of decisions are going to need to be addressed within the secondary. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is currently set to be an unrestricted free agent along with free safety Eddie Pleasant. These positions could probably be addressed in the draft. But until then, former Patriot cornerback, and Super Bowl hero at one point, Malcom Butler will be on the market and probably one of the more sought after options. The runner-ups in this group include the New York Jets’ Morris Claiborne and Los Angeles Rams’ Trumaine Johnson. As far as safety goes, Eric Reid appears to be the standout option in this group. The San Francisco 49er was one of the few bright spots during the team’s rebuilding season. Without question he could fill a hole in a leaky defensive backfield.
Backup QB
As fun as it was to have finally found a franchise quarterback, ironically, it was just as disheartening being unable to find a backup. Yes, there was quarterback Tom Savage, who has been under the O’Brien system since the beginning, but that experience could not translate into any success on the field. With Deshaun Watson being only in his 2nd year, it would probably be better to get an experienced QB with a similar skillset. That’s where the attention turns to Teddy Bridgewater, the 1st round pick that the Texans missed out on, but who is set to be an unrestricted free agent in a couple of weeks. Bridgewater was the future of the Vikings until he suffered a non-contact knee injury and was replaced by QB Sam Bradford, who was usurped by QB Case Keenum. Bridgewater could come to Houston for a year to get his legs under him during preseason, or cleanup time, and make for a good insurance policy. Another option could be quarterback Ryna Fitzpatrick. Having him serve a 2nd stint would not be a bad idea, since he already knows the offense. And if Watson gets hurt again, Fitzpatrick has performed a lot better as a starter than Savage ever did so there should be no worries about having a failed season.
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