The Houston Texans made the most they could with free agency. In fact, their biggest move wasn’t even a signing; it was the trading of quarterback Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns.
After the first wave of free agency, where do the Texans stand? What holes do they need to fill throughout their roster?
According to Anthony Treash from Pro Football Focus, every position is fair game on Houston’s roster after free agency.
Let’s not sugarcoat it — this roster is not in good shape. Everyone associated with the organization would likely agree.
The Texans generated 1.7 WAR in 2021. Not only is that the lowest of the 32 teams, but it’s lower than half the starting quarterbacks in the NFL alone.
Davis Mills exceeded expectations in a couple of games during his rookie campaign, but the third-round pick still finished the year with a 58.3 PFF grade. Any thought of him being the long-term solution at signal-caller is premature.
Houston’s free-agency plan was reminiscent of last season when they shelled out short-term, mediocre deals. This regime is setting up to build up the franchise in the next offseason and beyond — don’t expect them to compete in 2022.
Both statements can be true: Houston’s roster is not in good shape, and they also don’t need help at every position.
Take quarterback. It may be premature to say Mills is the answer long-term at quarterback, but he is the 2022 answer, and it would be a waste of resources to just take a first-round quarterback when they could add a playmaker at another position.
Take the Texans’ tackles. Do the Texans need to address their bookends when Laremy Tunsil is coming back and former 2019 first-rounder Tytus Howard is entering the final year of his contract?
The Texans’ roster still needs work after the first wave of free agency, but not every position needs to be addressed going into the draft.
