By Brandon Simmons
ESPN ranked each team’s offseason and they were not a big fan of the Houston Texans’ efforts this year. Writer Bill Barnwell ranked the team 32nd citing various reasons for his claim; but we all know the main one that popped up. When writing what the Texans did wrong, Barnwell pointed out the obvious particulars of the league’s most shocking transaction:
“The Texans traded away arguably their second-best player for pennies on the dollar because he wanted a new contract and then overpaid for just about every one of their offseason additions…Coach Bill O’Brien misread the market and handed out significant deals to cornerback Bradley Roby (three years, $36 million), wide receiver Randall Cobb (three years, $27 million), kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (four years, $17.7 million) and Murray (three years, $18 million) and even threw in a one-year, $4 million pact for backup quarterback AJ McCarron.”
However, there is some good that comes with the bad. While Barnwell was not too fond of where the money was going to some of the starters, he did praise the signing of players such as safety Eric Murray, who was mentioned in the article as an improvement to the special teams; and also former Chargers defensive back Jaylen Watkins who is considered a good fit depending on his usage. He also lauded the team for drafting former TCU defensive lineman Ross Blacklock with a 2nd round pick, which was obtained in the Hopkins trade, but also a move that can bolster the team’s pass rush in the near future.
In addition to the things mentioned that were done right, there was some sound advice handed out. Barnwell suggested the Texans should have re-signed running back Carlos Hyde if it meant not taking on David Johnson and his contract. His next suggestion was to trade wide receiver Kenny Stills, whom he believes could fall down the depth chart behind newly-acquired receivers Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb, as well as Will Fuller V, who many have been waiting on to return to his speedy self in a more consistent manner. These are valid criticisms, but they still have some reach. It’s okay to be honest and list the Hopkins trade as a sole reason that Houston might have had the worst offseason. That move forced the offense to get a total revamping that does not include an elite receiver such as Hopkins. However, it puts quite a few speed guys in the lineup who can spread the field for Texans QB Deshaun Watson, which could allow some running lanes to open up, so he can avoid getting hit or sacked in a collapsing picket. There’s not a lot of receivers of DeAndre Hopkins’ caliber, and if there was one to become available, their price tag would be a lot more than what the Texans might be willing to part with. The best way to go would be with finding some lesser, complimentary pieces to fill the void that Hopkins leaves. As far the signings go, the best thing they did was sign Tunsil, to keep solid protection around Watson. This team already let one good left tackle go and they could not take the heat for letting another one get away; especially when you gave up a lot to bring him in and your superstar QB is entering into a newly sculpted offense. Trading Kenny Stills sounds cool, if it was done before the draft, but not when you have an unproven 5th round rookie like Isiah Coulter or an oft-injured player such as Fuller. Depth will become important if this team wants to remain competitive. No question, it was not a pretty offseason, but it wasn’t as ugly as some people want to look at it.