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2017 Texans Free Agents/Salary Cap Situation: Where do we stand?

Who does Kjax replace? Hal or Demps?

If Kjax becomes our safety & we let Bouye go, who is our nickel

Totally legit question. It would have to be a rookie and probably a guy in the first 4 rounds. Maybe a vet, but I seriously doubt that. I think Jackson to safety is more and more a potential possibility for us. He doesn't have to play there all the time, we can have packages where he drops into a nickel and we bring on another safety.
 
Totally legit question. It would have to be a rookie and probably a guy in the first 4 rounds. Maybe a vet, but I seriously doubt that. I think Jackson to safety is more and more a potential possibility for us. He doesn't have to play there all the time, we can have packages where he drops into a nickel and we bring on another safety.

What do you think about Kj Dillon?
 
ESPNs John Clayton mentioned to me that A.J. Bouye is looking at minimum $12-12.5 million APY on the open market
https://twitter.com/PatDStat/status/826905754477162496

My first inclination is to let bouye go...but then I think k about how this team had struggled with good opposing TEs in the past and Bouye was pretty good when matched up against those kinds of players.

And Bouye had some bad moments, but he had some good ones as well.

With the Texans' history with DBs I just find it difficult to let a young one go that is even decent. Especially with jjo on his last leg and Kareem being spotty as well. Plus Kjo is going to be coming off a leg injury.

It could get really thin back there really quick.

Maybe if they let Bouye go they can get a cheap solid vet for the low after the big money is spent. And spend a top 4 pick on another corner.

I like that Romeo gets creative with his personnel though. He was this way in NE too. I thought OB would be that way offensively but he's been the opposite. Anyways....

I like Kareem going full time to safety. But I don't want him being over the top much. I like him as more of a ss type. Someone that can also help out on TEs and slot wr's. Of course if we have a shot at a legit control the middle of the field safety that would be a big upgrade back there.

And I assume Cushing will be cut too? If not I'd like to see him move to the edge. Get him out of space and let him be more of a downhill player. And any pass coverage responsibility won't be as taxing as what he'd be doing at MLB.
 
My first inclination is to let bouye go...but then I think k about how this team had struggled with good opposing TEs in the past and Bouye was pretty good when matched up against those kinds of players.

And Bouye had some bad moments, but he had some good ones as well.

With the Texans' history with DBs I just find it difficult to let a young one go that is even decent. Especially with jjo on his last leg and Kareem being spotty as well. Plus Kjo is going to be coming off a leg injury.

It could get really thin back there really quick.

Maybe if they let Bouye go they can get a cheap solid vet for the low after the big money is spent. And spend a top 4 pick on another corner.

I like that Romeo gets creative with his personnel though. He was this way in NE too. I thought OB would be that way offensively but he's been the opposite. Anyways....

I like Kareem going full time to safety. But I don't want him being over the top much. I like him as more of a ss type. Someone that can also help out on TEs and slot wr's. Of course if we have a shot at a legit control the middle of the field safety that would be a big upgrade back there.

And I assume Cushing will be cut too? If not I'd like to see him move to the edge. Get him out of space and let him be more of a downhill player. And any pass coverage responsibility won't be as taxing as what he'd be doing at MLB.


Remember Glover Quinn and Ed Reed......

Drops mic
 
What do you think about Kj Dillon?

Loved Dillon,

Had him in my mock draft.

Thought he would take over the starting SS role this yr, before he blew his knee out. Now it looks like last yr was a lost yr for him and who knows how he will come back from injury.
 
My first inclination is to let bouye go...but then I think k about how this team had struggled with good opposing TEs in the past and Bouye was pretty good when matched up against those kinds of players.

And Bouye had some bad moments, but he had some good ones as well.

With the Texans' history with DBs I just find it difficult to let a young one go that is even decent. Especially with jjo on his last leg and Kareem being spotty as well. Plus Kjo is going to be coming off a leg injury.

It could get really thin back there really quick.

Maybe if they let Bouye go they can get a cheap solid vet for the low after the big money is spent. And spend a top 4 pick on another corner.

I like that Romeo gets creative with his personnel though. He was this way in NE too. I thought OB would be that way offensively but he's been the opposite. Anyways....

I like Kareem going full time to safety. But I don't want him being over the top much. I like him as more of a ss type. Someone that can also help out on TEs and slot wr's. Of course if we have a shot at a legit control the middle of the field safety that would be a big upgrade back there.

And I assume Cushing will be cut too? If not I'd like to see him move to the edge. Get him out of space and let him be more of a downhill player. And any pass coverage responsibility won't be as taxing as what he'd be doing at MLB.

This is a very deep safety draft. I like Thompson from Colorado, Geary from Nebraska as late rd picks. They probably will re-sign Demps and draft another safety. I know they were looking at the Connecticut safety at the Sr. Bowl. But he's going to light up the combine so to get him it will probably take a 2nd rd pick and with needs at QB/OL that's too rich for my blood.
 
This is a very deep safety draft. I like Thompson from Colorado, Geary from Nebraska as late rd picks. They probably will re-sign Demps and draft another safety. I know they were looking at the Connecticut safety at the Sr. Bowl. But he's going to light up the combine so to get him it will probably take a 2nd rd pick and with needs at QB/OL that's too rich for my blood.

That UConn safety is 6'4" 220 and can run... he's not lasting past the 1st with his measurables imo.
 
I didn't read the first 9 pages. But I did read part of the first paragraph on the first post.

Let AJB walk and let us get a comp 3rd round pick if he does get Janoris Jenkins money like he thinks he will.

I'm a HUGE Rick Smith h8rrrr, but at the end of the day, you can't say he hasn't loaded us down with really solid and really inexpensive DBs over the years. Whoever is in charge of finding and paying these DBs does their job correct IMO.

Spotrac has a new roster building feature that is pretty slick IMO, I goofed off a bit and spent some time on it today.

I let a lot of FAs walk, while resigning a few of our own and grabbing some decent week 1 and week 2 free agents also.

Let it be clear my fake roster is completely built on what I think guys should be paid. If yall did this on page 4 and got sick of this on page 5 that's cool, call me a clown and I'll be on my way, if you haven't though, give me some feedback so when I talk football with my bros I don't sound like a fool.

Moves I made:

Restructure:

Duane Brown - We owe no more dead money on this guy. Time for him to decide if he wants to retire a Texan at a reduced rate as his game has shown he's worthy of or leave us for someone like the Browns.

Brian Cushing - I think we can pull this off so I will try to do it

Cutting:

Derek Newton - See ya no knees, sorry
Tony Bergstrom - Dependent on Nick being able to play in 2017 (he's good to go right?)
Keith Mumphery - fumble kick offs somewhere else
Kurtis Drummond - who?
Couple other no namers - who?

Letting Walk:

Everyone not listed below

Texans Free Agent Resignings:


Shane Lechler - Come on back for 41
Nick Novak - Come on back for whatever age you are
Ryan Griffin - Come on back until we have a real solution to replace you, you shouldn't cost anything anyway
John Simon - I am probably grossly underestimating his contract value, but I haven't any idea honestly
David Quessenberry - We've nurtured you for several years, it's time to pay it back by working for almost nothing (assuming he can even play football anymore and this might not be a lock, I don't follow his status closely)

Overall Free Agent Signings:

Dontari Poe - Classic RAC Guy being re-united again. This would be our biggest splash in FA which I know we never go after week 1 FAs, but I got a feeling
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Come back for dirt cheap or decide to retire, you know you had a good thing going here, bring it back
Riley Reiff - Solid RT that can be used as emergency LT (Still wanna draft one high though)
Luke Joeckel - Depth play assuming he can be had this cheap, he's got no market right?

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tools/roster/houston-texans/2017/5bd7e09c96d64fa814a473bfbac7485e/

FYI - I realize I haven't paid 2017 rookies yet, I assume that'll be somewhere in the $4-5 M range. We can probably get that by cutting dudes on the bottom roster I've never heard of or getting a contract restructure I don't see coming.
 
TexansFTW, my only feedback is...... Fitzpatrick??????

Other than that, I'm good with what you did there.
 
I didn't read the first 9 pages. But I did read part of the first paragraph on the first post.

Let AJB walk and let us get a comp 3rd round pick if he does get Janoris Jenkins money like he thinks he will.

I'm a HUGE Rick Smith h8rrrr, but at the end of the day, you can't say he hasn't loaded us down with really solid and really inexpensive DBs over the years. Whoever is in charge of finding and paying these DBs does their job correct IMO.

Spotrac has a new roster building feature that is pretty slick IMO, I goofed off a bit and spent some time on it today.

I let a lot of FAs walk, while resigning a few of our own and grabbing some decent week 1 and week 2 free agents also.

Let it be clear my fake roster is completely built on what I think guys should be paid. If yall did this on page 4 and got sick of this on page 5 that's cool, call me a clown and I'll be on my way, if you haven't though, give me some feedback so when I talk football with my bros I don't sound like a fool.

Moves I made:

Restructure:

Duane Brown - We owe no more dead money on this guy. Time for him to decide if he wants to retire a Texan at a reduced rate as his game has shown he's worthy of or leave us for someone like the Browns.

Brian Cushing - I think we can pull this off so I will try to do it

Cutting:

Derek Newton - See ya no knees, sorry
Tony Bergstrom - Dependent on Nick being able to play in 2017 (he's good to go right?)
Keith Mumphery - fumble kick offs somewhere else
Kurtis Drummond - who?
Couple other no namers - who?

Letting Walk:

Everyone not listed below

Texans Free Agent Resignings:


Shane Lechler - Come on back for 41
Nick Novak - Come on back for whatever age you are
Ryan Griffin - Come on back until we have a real solution to replace you, you shouldn't cost anything anyway
John Simon - I am probably grossly underestimating his contract value, but I haven't any idea honestly
David Quessenberry - We've nurtured you for several years, it's time to pay it back by working for almost nothing (assuming he can even play football anymore and this might not be a lock, I don't follow his status closely)

Overall Free Agent Signings:

Dontari Poe - Classic RAC Guy being re-united again. This would be our biggest splash in FA which I know we never go after week 1 FAs, but I got a feeling
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Come back for dirt cheap or decide to retire, you know you had a good thing going here, bring it back
Riley Reiff - Solid RT that can be used as emergency LT (Still wanna draft one high though)
Luke Joeckel - Depth play assuming he can be had this cheap, he's got no market right?

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tools/roster/houston-texans/2017/5bd7e09c96d64fa814a473bfbac7485e/

FYI - I realize I haven't paid 2017 rookies yet, I assume that'll be somewhere in the $4-5 M range. We can probably get that by cutting dudes on the bottom roster I've never heard of or getting a contract restructure I don't see coming.

Good post. Would love to restructure brown but the ball's in his court. Cush knows if he doesn't he's gone. He can leave if he refuses and we can find someone cheaper to miss tackles and blow coverage.

I like the poe suggestion and hadnt previously considered him. A front of watt, clowney, mercy, and poe just sounds ridiculously awesome.

Ive no clue about the cost of reiff or joeckel. Im down for brining one of them in but i dont want that to prevent us from drafting ol high...

Which brings me to the huh(?) moment of your post (and why i like it - because every great post should be surgical in logic, creative, hilarious, or controversial in some way.)

Fitz.

I'll be the first to say i thought we could do better. After hoyer - After oz im not so certain anymore. As much as he pissed me off, im also willing to say a couple of seasons down the road that maybe i under appreciated fitz. He's a vet familiar with our system and i think he'd be cap friendly.

Here's the kicker. I dont think bringing in a guy like fitz is a long term solution (duh) and i'm not ready to part with oz or savage yet. But i want a new guy with long term potential on this roster. That means im drafting somebody this year. That means im carrying 4 qbs on the roster in your scenario.

Is fitz worth it? He'd be better day 1. But he'd steal snaps from oz and savage in their most important developmental year. He'd cloudy our evaluation of those 2 and as far as im concerned he'd force a 4 qb roster commitment.

Would you really sign him knowing he's just a bandaid? Is he worth the 1-2 extra wins he MIGHT produce?

Does a roster with 4 qbs sound asinine?
 
Good post. Would love to restructure brown but the ball's in his court. Cush knows if he doesn't he's gone. He can leave if he refuses and we can find someone cheaper to miss tackles and blow coverage.

I like the poe suggestion and hadnt previously considered him. A front of watt, clowney, mercy, and poe just sounds ridiculously awesome.

Ive no clue about the cost of reiff or joeckel. Im down for brining one of them in but i dont want that to prevent us from drafting ol high...

Which brings me to the huh(?) moment of your post (and why i like it - because every great post should be surgical in logic, creative, hilarious, or controversial in some way.)

Fitz.

I'll be the first to say i thought we could do better. After hoyer - After oz im not so certain anymore. As much as he pissed me off, im also willing to say a couple of seasons down the road that maybe i under appreciated fitz. He's a vet familiar with our system and i think he'd be cap friendly.

Here's the kicker. I dont think bringing in a guy like fitz is a long term solution (duh) and i'm not ready to part with oz or savage yet. But i want a new guy with long term potential on this roster. That means im drafting somebody this year. That means im carrying 4 qbs on the roster in your scenario.

Is fitz worth it? He'd be better day 1. But he'd steal snaps from oz and savage in their most important developmental year. He'd cloudy our evaluation of those 2 and as far as im concerned he'd force a 4 qb roster commitment.

Would you really sign him knowing he's just a bandaid? Is he worth the 1-2 extra wins he MIGHT produce?

Does a roster with 4 qbs sound asinine?


Fitz it's still gonna get too much money to even consider it, the 4 or 5 mil you have to give him is better spent elsewhere when you already have two qb's. You might was well give weeden a shot, he's much cheaper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Fitz it's still gonna get too much money to even consider it, the 4 or 5 mil you have to give him is better spent elsewhere when you already have two qb's. You might was well give weeden a shot, he's much cheaper.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ok. But im willing to pay 3-5 million more for what fitz can do versus what weeden has done (nothing.) Purely subjective.
 
I can't believe that Fitzpatrick has any market to command much money at all. That said, he's a QB, and I've been accurate about once in the last 5 years of projecting a QBs net worth on the open market. Ever since Flacco hit Free Agency I've been basically clueless about the whole thing, but he can't cost more than $3.5 M annually can he??

Weeden - Leave the NFL before you join my team

Savage - Leave the team and the NFL, you don't belong, go transfer schools again cause you aren't even good enough to be the backup here.

Career Stats: 56 / 92 attempts ; 588 yards; 0 TDs ; 1 INT ; 1 FUM | 12 rushes ; 6 yards ; 0 TDs ; 2 FUM ; 1 FUM Lost

Let's be real about Savage... the only thing I can speculate that most "like" about him is that he hasn't overly failed for us yet. He sure as heck hasn't succeeded or thrived. He was a quitter in college too. When the going got tough... he transferred. Every time I see or hear him I think of a less athletic Jake Locker. He seems like a guy that tries his hardest to get OFF the football field, not ON it.

QB in draft: Ehh, if Trubisky or Watson falls to us sure. If Kizer falls to the 2nd, sure. If Mahomes falls to end of 4th, I guess. If Chad Kelly (Ryan Mallet 2) falls to the 6th, sure. I honestly doubt any of those things happen though, and I'm generally a QB advocate, but I don't see a solution this year. That said, no one thought the Cowboys had a solution when Romo went down either, so who knows.

I'm just fine going into camp with Brock, Fitz, and whoever wins a Savage vs this year's random rookie QB contest. If Fitz' market is over $5 M though I gotta assume we are out, we can't be spending $25 M on a position that will end up likely with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter. Everyone knows this team is a QB away (and health of key guys) from making some noise in the playoffs when Tom Brady gets injured, but it's hard for me to find the solution currently in a real world environment not based on fantasies and trapes.

Now picture this front 7 in your head (and picture them healthy)...

JJ Watt Dontari Poe Jadaveon Clowney
Whitney Mercilus Brian Cushing Bernadrick McKinney John Simon / Draft Pick in NFL Draft

Without a QB that's not a title contender probably, but I can definitely see back to back AFC Championship Jets and they were only an injury away from being in the dance.

Thanks for feedback guys. Let's hope whatever we do, it results in Ws and happiness.
 
.

Now picture this front 7 in your head (and picture them healthy)...

JJ Watt Dontari Poe Jadaveon Clowney
Whitney Mercilus Brian Cushing Bernadrick McKinney John Simon / Draft Pick in NFL Draft

Without a QB that's not a title contender probably, but I can definitely see back to back AFC Championship Jets and they were only an injury away from being in the dance.

Thanks for feedback guys. Let's hope whatever we do, it results in Ws and happiness.

Second person this week I have seen who wants Poe. Why?? Reader played really damn good down the stretch and EVERYONE on the Texans coaching staff praised the kid for not playing like a typical rookie.
 
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Second person this week I have seen who wants Poe. Why?? Reader played really damn good down the stretch and EVERYONE on the Texans coaching staff praised the kid for not playing like a typical rookie.

I'd love to have Poe... if we were switching to a conventionall 4-3 and would have a line of Watt, Reader, Poe, Clowney
 
Luke Joeckel - Depth play assuming he can be had this cheap, he's got no market right?
******************
This guy intrigues me. Former Aggie who was a very high pick as I recall, top 5 I think, a Texas native but still very young. Sometimes they just need a change of scenery as they say but maybe a fresh start back home would turn his career around ?
 
Luke Joeckel - Depth play assuming he can be had this cheap, he's got no market right?
******************
This guy intrigues me. Former Aggie who was a very high pick as I recall, top 5 I think, a Texas native but still very young. Sometimes they just need a change of scenery as they say but maybe a fresh start back home would turn his career around ?

Does he have any experience at RT college or pro? Maybe he'd translate better at that position?

Surely he must've learned something from all the whippings Mercilus has handed him over the years.
 
I can't believe that Fitzpatrick has any market to command much money at all. That said, he's a QB, and I've been accurate about once in the last 5 years of projecting a QBs net worth on the open market. Ever since Flacco hit Free Agency I've been basically clueless about the whole thing, but he can't cost more than $3.5 M annually can he??

Weeden - Leave the NFL before you join my team

Savage - Leave the team and the NFL, you don't belong, go transfer schools again cause you aren't even good enough to be the backup here.

Career Stats: 56 / 92 attempts ; 588 yards; 0 TDs ; 1 INT ; 1 FUM | 12 rushes ; 6 yards ; 0 TDs ; 2 FUM ; 1 FUM Lost

Let's be real about Savage... the only thing I can speculate that most "like" about him is that he hasn't overly failed for us yet. He sure as heck hasn't succeeded or thrived. He was a quitter in college too. When the going got tough... he transferred. Every time I see or hear him I think of a less athletic Jake Locker. He seems like a guy that tries his hardest to get OFF the football field, not ON it.

QB in draft: Ehh, if Trubisky or Watson falls to us sure. If Kizer falls to the 2nd, sure. If Mahomes falls to end of 4th, I guess. If Chad Kelly (Ryan Mallet 2) falls to the 6th, sure. I honestly doubt any of those things happen though, and I'm generally a QB advocate, but I don't see a solution this year. That said, no one thought the Cowboys had a solution when Romo went down either, so who knows.

I'm just fine going into camp with Brock, Fitz, and whoever wins a Savage vs this year's random rookie QB contest. If Fitz' market is over $5 M though I gotta assume we are out, we can't be spending $25 M on a position that will end up likely with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starter. Everyone knows this team is a QB away (and health of key guys) from making some noise in the playoffs when Tom Brady gets injured, but it's hard for me to find the solution currently in a real world environment not based on fantasies and trapes.

Now picture this front 7 in your head (and picture them healthy)...

JJ Watt Dontari Poe Jadaveon Clowney
Whitney Mercilus Brian Cushing Bernadrick McKinney John Simon / Draft Pick in NFL Draft

Without a QB that's not a title contender probably, but I can definitely see back to back AFC Championship Jets and they were only an injury away from being in the dance.

Thanks for feedback guys. Let's hope whatever we do, it results in Ws and happiness.
Disagree with you on Savage quitting. Are you sure you have the details? One, he had agreed to a school who then changed coaches with an offensive scheme that was not good for Savage. Reader is cheap and good as well as young. Cushing will be here 2017 unless Reuben Foster falls to us. The defense was reworked to let up and coming McKinhave himney to get the tackles and man did he. I can see Cushing cut 2018. I thought you cut him then you have him starting above?
 
Cushing, Jackson, Newton can all go. Brown played to his salary, Allen was terrible. They need to find a way to get Cutler and carry Oz until the end of this year. They need more speed on the back 7.
 
Cushing, Jackson, Newton can all go. Brown played to his salary, Allen was terrible. They need to find a way to get Cutler and carry Oz until the end of this year. They need more speed on the back 7.
There's no way to get Cutler with Brocks contract. Cutler is definitely kinda goofy but he's got the big time arm, can make every throw. So you are sure the Bears are gonna let him walk ?
 
There's no way to get Cutler with Brocks contract. Cutler is definitely kinda goofy but he's got the big time arm, can make every throw. So you are sure the Bears are gonna let him walk ?

Cutting Cushing and Weeden saves you about 8 mil on the cap.

Point is if the McNair's wanted to bring in a vet QB they could.

Unfortunately they're hardheaded and it's not going to happen.
 
I didn't read the first 9 pages. But I did read part of the first paragraph on the first post.

Let AJB walk and let us get a comp 3rd round pick if he does get Janoris Jenkins money like he thinks he will.

I'm a HUGE Rick Smith h8rrrr, but at the end of the day, you can't say he hasn't loaded us down with really solid and really inexpensive DBs over the years. Whoever is in charge of finding and paying these DBs does their job correct IMO.

Spotrac has a new roster building feature that is pretty slick IMO, I goofed off a bit and spent some time on it today.

I let a lot of FAs walk, while resigning a few of our own and grabbing some decent week 1 and week 2 free agents also.

Let it be clear my fake roster is completely built on what I think guys should be paid. If yall did this on page 4 and got sick of this on page 5 that's cool, call me a clown and I'll be on my way, if you haven't though, give me some feedback so when I talk football with my bros I don't sound like a fool.

Moves I made:

Restructure:

Duane Brown - We owe no more dead money on this guy. Time for him to decide if he wants to retire a Texan at a reduced rate as his game has shown he's worthy of or leave us for someone like the Browns.

Brian Cushing - I think we can pull this off so I will try to do it

Cutting:

Derek Newton - See ya no knees, sorry
Tony Bergstrom - Dependent on Nick being able to play in 2017 (he's good to go right?)
Keith Mumphery - fumble kick offs somewhere else
Kurtis Drummond - who?
Couple other no namers - who?

Letting Walk:

Everyone not listed below

Texans Free Agent Resignings:


Shane Lechler - Come on back for 41
Nick Novak - Come on back for whatever age you are
Ryan Griffin - Come on back until we have a real solution to replace you, you shouldn't cost anything anyway
John Simon - I am probably grossly underestimating his contract value, but I haven't any idea honestly
David Quessenberry - We've nurtured you for several years, it's time to pay it back by working for almost nothing (assuming he can even play football anymore and this might not be a lock, I don't follow his status closely)

Overall Free Agent Signings:

Dontari Poe - Classic RAC Guy being re-united again. This would be our biggest splash in FA which I know we never go after week 1 FAs, but I got a feeling
Ryan Fitzpatrick - Come back for dirt cheap or decide to retire, you know you had a good thing going here, bring it back
Riley Reiff - Solid RT that can be used as emergency LT (Still wanna draft one high though)
Luke Joeckel - Depth play assuming he can be had this cheap, he's got no market right?

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tools/roster/houston-texans/2017/5bd7e09c96d64fa814a473bfbac7485e/

FYI - I realize I haven't paid 2017 rookies yet, I assume that'll be somewhere in the $4-5 M range. We can probably get that by cutting dudes on the bottom roster I've never heard of or getting a contract restructure I don't see coming.

Fitz? LOL

Did you see that he was almost as bad as Os last yr?

I do like the flier on Joeckel though.

Cut Cush, save the $$$$

No to Brown restructure
 
Texans face tough decision on re-signing cornerback A.J. Bouye
8:02 AM CT
  • Sarah BarshopESPN Staff Writer

HOUSTON -- A.J. Bouye proved in 2016 that he can be a top player in the league at his position.

Bouye, a former undrafted free agent, started out as the Houston Texans' No. 4 cornerback but, due to injuries and his impressive play, became their best option there by season's end.

A.J. Bouye was a pleasant surprise for the Texans in 2016, but given how much money Houston already has invested in cornerbacks it's unclear if he'll be back. Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
Bouye is now an unrestricted free agent, and his play last season earned him a big contract. Both Texans head coach Bill O'Brien and Bouye have said they want the young cornerback to return, but Houston also knows how much Bouye will command on the open market. O’Brien said Bouye is viewed as “a top corner” around the league.

The Texans secondary was strong all season, mostly because Bouye was able to step in when injuries struck. Johnathan Joseph missed three games, Kareem Jackson missed two and Kevin Johnson was put on injured reserve after he broke his foot during the Texans’ Week 6 victory over the Indianapolis Colts.

Bouye stepped up during that time, and Houston ended the regular season with the No. 2 defense in total passing yards, allowing an average of just 201.6 per game.

At an NFL event during Super Bowl week, Texans general manager Rick Smith reminded that he's "said many, many times you can't have too many corners." But the reality is that having four highly paid cornerbacks is a luxury in today's NFL, and Houston already has veterans Joseph and Jackson and 2015 first-round pick Johnson under contract for 2017.

Joseph and Jackson are each set to make $6.5 million, plus roster bonuses. Johnson is still on his rookie contract.

Houston could use the the franchise tag on Bouye, but the last -- and only -- time the Texans used it in their 15-year history was 2008, when they tagged cornerback Dunta Robinson.

While Bouye won’t be getting Josh Norman money -- the Redskins signed the cornerback to a five-year, $75 million contract last offseason -- the 25-year-old will still command a hefty price, especially given the available talent at cornerback this offseason.

The Texans have more than $26 million of salary-cap space next season, according to Spotrac.com, so financially, they could spend to bring Bouye back. But they also have players they would like to sign to contract extensions, most notably wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, whose rookie contract expires after next season.

Houston also has multiple other free agents it will likely look to bring back, including tight end Ryan Griffin, safety Quintin Demps, outside linebacker John Simon and kicker Nick Novak. The Texans might also look into alternatives at quarterback, with the possibility that all three on their current roster could be gone after the 2017 season.

“We really want him back and hopefully we can get something done where he can be back, but it’s tough,” O’Brien said of Bouye. “These decisions are personal decisions, but all of them are tough on both sides, but we would love to have A.J. back.”
 
Cutting Cushing and Weeden saves you about 8 mil on the cap.

Point is if the McNair's wanted to bring in a vet QB they could.

Unfortunately they're hardheaded and it's not going to happen.

I agree with you, if the Texans wanted to bring in a veteran QB, there are ways they can make it happen.

I do not agree that the Texans are hardheaded for not bringing in a Cutler or Romo. Cutler has been around the league & bringing him here simply speaks to how desperate we are. We may be desperate, but it's not hardheaded to not make such a move.

Romo I could understand if they bring him in. Still don't think it would be hardheaded not to bring him in. There are some serious reasons we shouldn't.
 
I agree with you, if the Texans wanted to bring in a veteran QB, there are ways they can make it happen.

I do not agree that the Texans are hardheaded for not bringing in a Cutler or Romo. Cutler has been around the league & bringing him here simply speaks to how desperate we are. We may be desperate, but it's not hardheaded to not make such a move.

Romo I could understand if they bring him in. Still don't think it would be hardheaded not to bring him in. There are some serious reasons we shouldn't.
I would rather we draft one this season and use the rest of our picks to shore up some weak spots on the team. It is doubtful in the later rounds we find a jewell but in recent seasons some good Qb's have come in later rounds than anybody expected them to come. So it is not a huge sacrifice to take one fairly late and see what comes of it.

The Qb class does not seem deep for next season but no one really knows anything.
 
Does he have any experience at RT college or pro? Maybe he'd translate better at that position?

Surely he must've learned something from all the whippings Mercilus has handed him over the years.

He was drafted to be there franchse LT, #2 overall is suppose to be your cornerstone at the blind side, he was a colossal bust, but maybe he is a late bloomer and the switch will turn on.
 
I agree with you, if the Texans wanted to bring in a veteran QB, there are ways they can make it happen.

I do not agree that the Texans are hardheaded for not bringing in a Cutler or Romo. Cutler has been around the league & bringing him here simply speaks to how desperate we are. We may be desperate, but it's not hardheaded to not make such a move.

Romo I could understand if they bring him in. Still don't think it would be hardheaded not to bring him in. There are some serious reasons we shouldn't.

When Os/Savage/Weeden are your QB's, you should be desperate.
 
There's no way to get Cutler with Brocks contract. Cutler is definitely kinda goofy but he's got the big time arm, can make every throw. So you are sure the Bears are gonna let him walk ?
Yeah you can. He has no more guaranteed money and bears could just cut him. Texans could just offer a low rd pick and let him play on his 15m price tag or extend him and cut brock after the season.
 
When Os/Savage/Weeden are your QB's, you should be desperate.

Osweiler is here because we we reacted rashly to our desperate condition. To do so two years in a row would prove the Texans are as screwed up as you already believe them to be.

The smart thing to do would be to trot Osweiler/Savage/Weeden out there with the Fitzpatrick game plan (run the ball 40 times a game even if we're averaging less than 3 ypc) & draft your QB of the future.
 
Osweiler is here because we we reacted rashly to our desperate condition. To do so two years in a row would prove the Texans are as screwed up as you already believe them to be.

The smart thing to do would be to trot Osweiler/Savage/Weeden out there with the Fitzpatrick game plan (run the ball 40 times a game even if we're averaging less than 3 ypc) & draft your QB of the future.

A philosophy of mine is if you fail at something you NEVER quit trying.

1. I believe Jimmy G is a franchise QB. I hoped that Os could become one since Bob/Rick/Cal overreacted and they settled for the best FA on the market. I don't think trading for Jimmy G is settling.
2. Draft another QB to hedge your bets. Preferably in 2018, and I like Mahomes a lot.
3. What QB do you think is better than Jimmy G coming out in the 2017 draft and when do you this QB will be able to become a factor? The defense only has 2-3 great yrs left in it as currently constructed.
 
The thought of trading for Jimmy G is good, but it makes no sense for NE to create another competitor within the conference unless we give up the entire draft for him, that's a lot to throw down on a guy with limited starting experience. The only realistic way to get Jimmy G is to hope he's not traded and becomes a FA next season.
 
Disagree with you on Savage quitting. Are you sure you have the details? One, he had agreed to a school who then changed coaches with an offensive scheme that was not good for Savage. Reader is cheap and good as well as young. Cushing will be here 2017 unless Reuben Foster falls to us. The defense was reworked to let up and coming McKinhave himney to get the tackles and man did he. I can see Cushing cut 2018. I thought you cut him then you have him starting above?

I wanted to PAY cut him for salary cap, not outright cut him. McKinney and Cushing don't play the same position. They play next to each other. McKinny and Cushing co-existed just fine this season IMO.

Your Tom Savage history seems to be a convenient Savage defender narrative. What about Rutgers? He played poorly, got injured, and conveniently benched for college football elite Chas Dodd, who went undrafted and could only find work in the Italian Football League.

Yeah, Arizona had a coaching change, but you left out that Arizona said he wasn't good enough to be their QB and they wanted to go another direction. He then went on to claim that he was leaving for "family reasons" and not cause he was a bad fit for the job: http://www.nj.com/rutgersfootball/index.ssf/2011/12/former_rutgers_qb_tom_savage_t.html

He eventually did end up in Pitt and played pretty decent.

It's whatever, we can all wait and hope on this guy forever, I won't. He's a loser IMO, if you think otherwise that's fine too, everyone's got different opinions and I guess only time will tell whose is the best one.
 
Fitz? LOL

Did you see that he was almost as bad as Os last yr?

I do like the flier on Joeckel though.

Cut Cush, save the $$$$

No to Brown restructure

You gonna find a better QB for less than $4 M to compete on a roster that already has $20 M going to the position? If so, who?

Are you a Savage guy?

Why not on the Brown restructure? NFL is a business and his leverage is over after mediocre and injury plagued seasons in recent years. He will be 32 at the start of next football season and has no guaranteed money left on contract. He's a prime restructure candidate IMO.
 
A philosophy of mine is if you fail at something you NEVER quit trying.

1. I believe Jimmy G is a franchise QB. I hoped that Os could become one since Bob/Rick/Cal overreacted and they settled for the best FA on the market. I don't think trading for Jimmy G is settling.
2. Draft another QB to hedge your bets. Preferably in 2018, and I like Mahomes a lot.
3. What QB do you think is better than Jimmy G coming out in the 2017 draft and when do you this QB will be able to become a factor? The defense only has 2-3 great yrs left in it as currently constructed.

I'm only arguing it isn't hardheaded not to bring in Cutler (especially) & Romo.

I do not agree that the Texans are hardheaded for not bringing in a Cutler or Romo. Cutler has been around
 
You gonna find a better QB for less than $4 M to compete on a roster that already has $20 M going to the position? If so, who?

Are you a Savage guy?

Why not on the Brown restructure? NFL is a business and his leverage is over after mediocre and injury plagued seasons in recent years. He will be 32 at the start of next football season and has no guaranteed money left on contract. He's a prime restructure candidate IMO.

Cutting Cush and Weeden saves more than 4 mil. If I had to cut JoJo to save another 6.5 I would. How much do you think bringing in a vet like Cutler would cost? Point is they could bring in a vet QB if they wanted too>

Yes, I'm a Savage guy, but I don't trust him to stay healthy. I sign Cutler, make Savage the backup, draft Mahomes and make Os the waterboy. Brown is going to laugh at them if they ask him to take a paycut. He was their best OL last yr. Even though that isn't really saying much.
 
You gonna find a better QB for less than $4 M to compete on a roster that already has $20 M going to the position? If so, who?

Are you a Savage guy?

Why not on the Brown restructure? NFL is a business and his leverage is over after mediocre and injury plagued seasons in recent years. He will be 32 at the start of next football season and has no guaranteed money left on contract. He's a prime restructure candidate IMO.

Why would Brown restructure? We aren't going to cut him and that threat is the only reason a player will restructure. We have nobody to replace him, his position is extremely crucial, and he knows it. Not at all prime.

A candidate for restructure is Cushing. If he's not cut this year, he's a likely cut next year. McKinney has the same skill set except he's now better and he's younger than Cushing. We save $5.113M by cutting him this year and $8.5M next year (with only $1.2M in dead money). Restructuring him saves us money vs the cap this year and also strengthens his chances at staying with the team beyond this year. If I were him, I'd prefer to restructure and if I were the Texans I wouldn't restructure his deal. Keep him this year while we groom a replacement that we acquire in the draft, then cut him next year. Restructuring him only puts us on the hook for more future dead money with him, but if they are strapped for cash for this year's cap, or are in love with the rookie they draft, maybe they cut him.

I don't see anyone else on the team that is a candidate to restructure their deal.
 
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I really don't see the Texans making a big splash in FA. I'd hope they make a run at some offensive linemen, particularly at RT, and a safety, but that's about it.

I'd prefer they re-signed Hopkins and Clowney, then make offers to Simon and Aboushi, unless they want to run with Mancz at guard. Maybe they can convince Su'a Filo, Fiedo, and Hal to extensions a year early and pay them a nice chunk of their guaranteed money this year and nearly the rest in 2018 where we will/can gain a lot of cap money with contracts expiring and players to cut.

Those re-signings, a few cheaper FAs, plus rookies would be about all of our cap money. Cut Osweiler if you can afford to lose the extra $6mil. I think we'd be in a pretty good cap situation if we did that. A lot of money will come available after the 2017 season. Cutting Osweiler now opens up $21mil next season ($15mil if/when we cut him at that time), JJo's contract expiring opens up $7mil vs the previous year, cutting Cushing at that time opens up $8.5mil for 2018, Chris Clark's contract expiring opens up $3mil for 2018, cutting Jeff Allen at that time opens up $5mil for 2018. Next year looks better in regards to signing FAs.

If you draft players in 2016 based on those contracts either expiring or those players being let go next year, it lines up pretty nicely with 2016 needs anyway. CB (replaces JJo), ILB (replaces Cushing), RT (replaces Newton and Clark), G (replaces Jeff Allen), QB (replaces Osweiler). Draft a safety and maybe another LBer or a TE and I'm happy with that scenario, given the alternatives.
 
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I really don't see the Texans making a big splash in FA. I'd hope they make a run at some offensive linemen, particularly at RT, and a safety, but that's about it.

I'd prefer they re-signed Hopkins and Clowney, then make offers to Simon and Aboushi, unless they want to run with Mancz at guard. Maybe they can convince Su'a Filo, Fiedo, and Hal to extensions a year early and pay them a nice chunk of their guaranteed money this year and nearly the rest in 2018 where we will/can gain a lot of cap money with contracts expiring and players to cut.

Those re-signings, a few cheaper FAs, plus rookies would be about all of our cap money. Cut Osweiler if you can afford to lose the extra $6mil. I think we'd be in a pretty good cap situation if we did that. A lot of money will come available after the 2017 season. Cutting Osweiler now opens up $21mil next season ($15mil if/when we cut him at that time), JJo's contract expiring opens up $7mil vs the previous year, cutting Cushing at that time opens up $8.5mil for 2018, Chris Clark's contract expiring opens up $3mil for 2018, cutting Jeff Allen at that time opens up $5mil for 2018. Next year looks better in regards to signing FAs.

If you draft players in 2016 based on those contracts either expiring or those players being let go next year, it lines up pretty nicely with 2016 needs anyway. CB (replaces JJo), ILB (replaces Cushing), RT (replaces Newton and Clark), G (replaces Jeff Allen), QB (replaces Osweiler). Draft a safety and maybe another LBer or a TE and I'm happy with that scenario, given the alternatives.

Clark and Newton should be gone this year. There's no reason either of them should be back at their current rates, bergstrom as well. A player has to justify not only this years salary's impact on this years cap but also because of carryover this year's salary's impact on next year's cap.

Joseph is borderline, especially if there is any regression.

I think the team should heavily pursue two offensive linemen for the right side. The guard market is deep, and which should steady the price some. RT is a cluster fudge and can't be left to the draft. Not sure where that leaves Bouye, or even Allen for that matter. Is the team hopeful he can be better or is this it?


Basically if the team wants to spend they can if they are willing to cut Joseph and restructure Cushing. They could easily push that 26M mark close to 50M and use it to extend Hopkins and/or sign some decent FA.

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Clark and Newton should be gone this year. There's no reason either of them should be back at their current rates, bergstrom as well. A player has to justify not only this years salary's impact on this years cap but also because of carryover this year's salary's impact on next year's cap.

Joseph is borderline, especially if there is any regression.

I think the team should heavily pursue two offensive linemen for the right side. The guard market is deep, and which should steady the price some. RT is a cluster fudge and can't be left to the draft. Not sure where that leaves Bouye, or even Allen for that matter. Is the team hopeful he can be better or is this it?


Basically if the team wants to spend they can if they are willing to cut Joseph and restructure Cushing. They could easily push that 26M mark close to 50M and use it to extend Hopkins and/or sign some decent FA.

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Well, the team's success with FA OL has been spotty at best. Recently, Allen, Clark, and Bergstrom have been poor signings. Although, they did well signing Aboushi given how much he was paid and Clark/Bergstrom weren't that big of a loss given what they were paid. They've had success in the draft with OL, they just need to take more of them. They've neglected tackle for too long.

I'm all for cutting both Newton and Clark, assuming they sign someone who plays to the value of their contract. If not, they're just trading one poor contract (Newton) for another, except longer. Whitworth is a short term solution, and likey expensive. I'd feel different if there were more tackles available in FA, but maybe there are players in FA at tackle worth signing. I admittedly don't follow a lot of the OL from other teams. I think they'll most likely keep Clark around, because he's only got one year left on his deal, and while he played horribly this last year, atleast he's seen some time within the offense, and as opposed to Newton, he can actually walk. Seriously though, the influence of a vet, particularly one who's played on the team recently, could be helpful for a rookie, and Clark is not that expensive. Maybe it's worth letting him go and taking a shot at one of the cheaper FAs out there, though. We don't really lose money by cutting Clark, it's just that there will be additional years on a FAs deal, whereas Clark is only on the books for 2017. We're really low on bodies at the position. Personally, I think we will see us take a tackle in the first 2, maybe 3 rounds. I'd be shocked if that isn't our plan going into the draft. Even if we sign a rather expensive FA, given Brown's age and recent durability issue(s), I still see it as a targeted position early.

Grabbing a stud guard in FA would be nice, but why not just re-sign Aboushi, draft one at some point, and in addition let either Mancz or Martin fight for the spot opposite Su'a Filo? That would be much cheaper and should be sufficient. That's 3 guys fighting for one spot. I don't want to have two guards (Allen and a FA) on the books with potentially both not needed, assuming the FA flops. I believe Allen has already played himself out of a starting role, but think we'll probably keep him, as it doesn't make sense to cut him yet. Same deal with potentially trading a poor contract for another, except this time we'll have both on the roster at the same time.

I know they can spend if they really want. They can cut people this year and make it happen, but I don't see a lot of desirable free agents at need positions.

I have to disagree on Joseph, the cap savings for 2016 is tempting, but to what end? We need his production next year. If we cut him and re-sign Bouye for even more, I think we get worse at corner and are stuck with a lengthy debilitating contract. Joseph has also mentored these guys. He's played with Jackson and Johnson for several years now and I think they gain something from his presence. I remember reading Joseph commenting on how he spoke encouragingly to Johnson after his injury. I don't really want to break that up when his contract expires in a year anyway.

This is a good conversation to have at this point in the offseason. There are a lot of decisions to be made regarding the cap prior to the draft.
 
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Well, the team's success with FA OL has been spotty at best.


Just a few thoughts after reading your post.

Clark was signed to be the backup swing tackle. It was a good signing and he does a decent job at what he was signed for. He's not a starter and wasn't meant to be one. He does'nt have the skills to play more than a few snaps a game, but he can play really good for a few snaps a game.

They will reach a injury settlement with Newton. I believe strongly in CnD and Newton is done.

You do realize that Johnson has only played 1 1/2 seasons? Not several? How many has Bouye played?

I agree that we probably shouldn't cut JJo, I don't think Clark or Allen will be cut either. We're gonna have pretty much the same team plus draft picks. Berstrom will probably be gone. Aboushi should return.

Hopefully the Texans will have another 2006 type draft s
 
Just a few thoughts after reading your post.

Clark was signed to be the backup swing tackle. It was a good signing and he does a decent job at what he was signed for. He's not a starter and wasn't meant to be one. He does'nt have the skills to play more than a few snaps a game, but he can play really good for a few snaps a game.

They will reach a injury settlement with Newton. I believe strongly in CnD and Newton is done.

You do realize that Johnson has only played 1 1/2 seasons? Not several? How many has Bouye played?

I agree that we probably shouldn't cut JJo, I don't think Clark or Allen will be cut either. We're gonna have pretty much the same team plus draft picks. Berstrom will probably be gone. Aboushi should return.

Hopefully the Texans will have another 2006 type draft s

The comment regarding Joseph mentoring Jackson and Johnson for several years is meant to be all encompassing, describing both players. Either way, Johnson has been on the team for 2 years, regardless of injury. Part of the point was that Joseph obviously has been helpful in keeping Johnson's confidence high while going through the injury. Btw, Johnson is twice the player that Bouye has ever been. His coverage ability is excellent in all fazes, including deep coverage. Bouye can't cover anybody deep.

I believe CND regarding Newton as well, I think he's done.

I also said the Clark signing wasn't SO bad, although not good considering how poorly he played. There are low round draft picks who perform better at this point of thier careers. You don't pay a swing tackle $3mil, that's backup money. Hell, Jake Long got 700k to be a backup last year. Was Clark a better option than Long? Clark didn't backup well = poor signing. You can draft a guy late to play swing tackle.
 
The comment regarding Joseph mentoring Jackson and Johnson for several years is meant to be all encompassing, describing both players. Either way, Johnson has been on the team for 2 years, regardless of injury. Part of the point was that Joseph obviously has been helpful in keeping Johnson's confidence high while going through the injury.

I believe CND regarding Newton as well, I think he's done.

I also said the Clark signing wasn't SO bad, although not good considering how poorly he played. There are low round draft picks who perform better at this point of thier careers. You don't pay a swing tackle $3mil, that's backup money. He didn't backup well = poor signing. You can draft a guy late to play swing tackle.

Agree with the most part, but to continue the discussion on Clark, he played ok subbing for Brown. Overall it's been an ok signing. Allen has been a terrible signing unless there is injury we don't know but team does. Bergstrom was just terrible. Lots of bad luck on OL, and I think also sub par coaching
 
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