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Potential Free Agents

From PFT>Ben Tate...I am the greatest.

After four years in Houston, Tate plans to become one of the top running backs in the league.

“I think I can bring you an elite running back,” Tate told Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston. “I’ve learned a lot being behind Arian [Foster]. Definitely, when I’m healthy I think I’m an elite running back in this league, and I feel like I can show my abilities and my numbers and my play will speak for itself, and guys will be able to see that I am a guy who is a top-five running back in this league, which I believe once I get out there and get to show that on a consistent basis.”

Tate ranks as the best available running back on lists like this one, and this one, and oh let’s see this one. He values the recognition.

“It lets me know that my hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed,” Tate said. “Even with my limited, I guess you would say my limited amount of snaps and my limited amount of being able to be out there and play, that my talent is still recognized. It’s very much appreciated.”

Tate says he has come to terms with the fact that he’ll have to leave
Houston.

“I have, I have,” Tate said. “I’m very grateful for the Texans selecting me and giving me an opportunity coming out of college. Without a doubt I’m very grateful for that. I just see it as a chapter closing in my life and opening a new chapter.”

The old chapter consisted of 1,992 yards in three seasons with the team, after breaking an ankle in the preseason opener of his rookie season. In 2011, he gained 942 yards, averaging 5.4 yards per carry.

It’s unclear whether his potential production will result in a major payday. In recent years, veteran tailbacks receive roughly $3 million to $4 million per year. Few running backs get much more than that, because teams tend to skew younger at the tailback position. When the 2014 season starts, Tate will be 26.
 
With free agent signings starting next week, the Texans supposedly are in the market for a veteran QB. As of today, there seems to be only two that I think we should consider:

Kellen Clemens, 31, St Louis, 6'-2"/224 lbs (78.8 QB rating, 8 TD's, 7 INT's);
Matt Flynn, 29, Green Bay, 6'-2"/230 lbs (85.7 QB rating, 8 TD's, 5 INT's)

(edit) Flynn is a Texas boy from Tyler. Might want to come back closer to home.
 
I have Flynn listed as an UFA, on what I thought was a current list. But now I see he signed with GB last November. What is his current status?
 
Geoff Shwartz plz. Anthony Collins would be nice.

Plus there is a plethora of very good talent at running back available due to injury, team situation, and whatever else. Personally I want MJD, but theres also McFadden, Sproles, and Moreno, Andre Brown is another one, and I'd settle for Gerhart too.
 
Louis Riddick @LRiddickESPN
Quick study of the avg yds/rush given up between the guards by the #Texans in '13, combined with tape (see vs #49ers 10/6/13) = need NT/MLB.

Have to get stronger down the middle. HAVE to. #Texans

They need a big-time hammer in the middle on 1st/2nd down. Have to think they take a long look at Brandon Spikes. #Texans
 
Geoff Shwartz plz. Anthony Collins would be nice.

Plus there is a plethora of very good talent at running back available due to injury, team situation, and whatever else. Personally I want MJD, but theres also McFadden, Sproles, and Moreno, Andre Brown is another one, and I'd settle for Gerhart too.

Yes to Swartz. I think we really need a solid backup. I'm worried not only about Fosters physical health but his mental health as well. He's never struck me as a serious off season hard worker anyway. With all that is going on in his personal life I can't imagine him being really ready for the grind of the season.

P.S. I think you meant Donald Brown of the colts right?
 
Louis Riddick @LRiddickESPN
Quick study of the avg yds/rush given up between the guards by the #Texans in '13, combined with tape (see vs #49ers 10/6/13) = need NT/MLB.

Have to get stronger down the middle. HAVE to. #Texans

They need a big-time hammer in the middle on 1st/2nd down. Have to think they take a long look at Brandon Spikes. #Texans

how much should we pay a 31-year old, two-down ILB?
Is there no one in the draft we can pick up?

I'm just askin'
 
[IMGwidthsize=300]https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BiQPZ3kCIAAZXQV.jpg:large[/IMG]

Ron Hatfield @SHSBulldog00

Darren Sproles was in Houston tonight talking with former Houston DT Travis Johnson about the Texans.
11:43 PM - 8 Mar 2014

Now there's a healthy meal!
 
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how much should we pay a 31-year old, two-down ILB?
Spikes is 26, playing for Patriots. Pretty good player.

Sounds like he was either a bit of a problem or not a coach's favorite:

Brandon Spikes eager to move on

edit: I remember this now, he posted a pic of his car stuck in snow & missed practice... Pats IR'd him. Pretty intelligent sounding guy, actually: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...atriots-brandon-spikes-time-for-a-fresh-start

Is there no one in the draft we can pick up?
Sure, but we have more needs than picks so it'd be good to fill a few with middle-of-the-road FAs if we can.
 
Lance Zierlein ‏@LanceZierlein 7m

Texans sniffing around in free agency on offensive side of the ball according to source. The name I'm hearing wouldn't have fit with Kubiak
 

In the 2010 training camp, Bass suffered a significant concussion. Near the end of the 2010 season, Bass suffered what was misdiagnosed initial as a jaw injury. The next week he was determined to have suffered another concussion and missed a game. The last game of the season, he suffered a rib injury but managed to return to the game and finally end the season

In the 2011 season, Bass missed several games due to headaches, then later neck issues came into question (cervical discs can cause very severe headaches).

In the 2013 offseason, he underwent surgery for elbow bone spurs. Even earlier in this offseason Bass underwent a surgery that was only identified by Coughlin as "a little surgery on his body" which was most likely a minimally-invasive cervical disc surgery.

In the 2nd game of the 2013 preseason he suffered a "sprain of his MCL," which caused him to miss a couple of regular season games. He then had recurrence of neck problems leading to 3 missed games, but managed to avoid season-ending surgery. Unfortunately, he re-injured his MCL the first drive of the first game in which he returned. From there, he was placed on IR at the end of the season. In the addition to the above, Bass intermittently dealt with hip and shoulder problems in the 2013 season.
He has subsequently undergone knee surgery for the injury that cut his 2013 season short........he is still "recovering." There is also a question as to if Bass has not also had a neck procedure during his post IR period.

He's essentially missed 18 games in 3 seasons.

Do I still hear a bid?
 
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In the 2010 training camp, Bass suffered a significant concussion. Near the end of the 2010 season, Bass suffered what was misdiagnosed initial as a jaw injury. The next week he was determined to have suffered another concussion and missed a game. The last game of the season, he suffered a rib injury but managed to return to the game and finally end the season

In the 2011 season, Bass missed several games due to headaches, then later neck issues came into question (cervical discs can cause very severe headaches).

In the 2013 offseason, elbow bone spurs. Even earlier in this offseason Bass underwent a surgery that was only identified by Coughlin as "a little surgery on his body" which was most likely a minimally-invasive cervical disc surgery.

In the 2nd game of the 2013 preseason he suffered a "sprain of his MCL," which caused him to miss a couple of regular season games. He then had recurrence of neck problems leading to 3 missed games, but managed to avoid season-ending surgery. Unfortunately, he re-injured his MCL the first drive of the first game in which he returned. From there, he was placed on IR at the end of the season. In the addition to the above, Bass intermittently dealt with hip and shoulder problems in the 2013 season.
He has subsequently undergone knee surgery for the injury that cut his 2013 season short........he is still "recovering." There is also a question as to if Bass has not also had a neck procedure during his post IR period.

He's essentially missed 18 games in 3 seasons.

Do I still hear a bid?

No. Thanks c&d. I absolutely loved this guy comming out of college , but I was unaware of his VAST injury history. Figured he was competent and reasonably priced...but now I want no part of him.
 
Spikes is 26, playing for Patriots. Pretty good player.

Sounds like he was either a bit of a problem or not a coach's favorite:

Brandon Spikes eager to move on

edit: I remember this now, he posted a pic of his car stuck in snow & missed practice... Pats IR'd him. Pretty intelligent sounding guy, actually: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap20...atriots-brandon-spikes-time-for-a-fresh-start

Sure, but we have more needs than picks so it'd be good to fill a few with middle-of-the-road FAs if we can.
Oops... I looked up the wrong Spikes.

ESPN Insider eval...
A thumper against the run, Spikes is among the most physical and violent downfield linebackers in the NFL. He is speed deficient and a liability in pass coverage, however, with some maturity and character concerns as well. Overall, he's an impact run-defender who is not suited to play in sub packages, which could lead to a reduced payday. He has never played every game in a season during his four-year career.
Sounds a lot like Sharpton to me.
 
my sources are telling me that the texans are interested in dexter mccluster. sources have confirmed that they see mccluster being a fit for texans coach bill obrien, and that he could be used as a shane vereen type of weapon out of the backfield.
 
Couple of Houston beat writers have shot down the McCluster deal.

More:
Matt Miller ‏@nfldraftscout 48s
Here's a Tuesday morning rumor for you: Sounds like Dexter McCluster is expected to follow Ray Farmer to the #Browns.
 
Tania Ganguli ‏@taniaganguli · 56m
#Texans might've had interest in Dexter McCluster as @LanceZierlein said, but I'm told he won't be coming. Sorry to crush your hopes, dreams

...sigh...

I just want someone cut. Anybody at this point please.
 
Jayson Braddock ‏@JaysonBraddock
Newton $1.389mil savings. $15K dead. Yates $645K savings, $46K dead. RT @rookitt: How much $?

Myers $3mil w/ $4mil in dead money. Manning $4.5mil w/ only $1.5 Dead RT @rookitt: How much $?

Joseph $3.75mil. $7.5mil in dead money. The other possible June 1 cut RT @rookitt: How much $?

Schaub $3.625mil but $10.5 mil in dead. Could be post June 1st RT @rookitt: How much $?

Other possible Texans' cuts that could come today: Schaub, Myers, Manning, Newton, Yates, & possibly Joseph.
 
It appears the Raiders will not be keeping two guys who would be huge at Texans' holes - LT Veldheer who they think would be better at RT and 6'3" 300 lb run stuffing DE Lamarr Houston. Worth exploring the price on both of them.
 
It appears the Raiders will not be keeping two guys who would be huge at Texans' holes - LT Veldheer who they think would be better at RT and 6'3" 300 lb run stuffing DE Lamarr Houston. Worth exploring the price on both of them.

I saw that too. Interested to see what $ they'll bring

I guess it was a system thing as to why they're letting them walk. They've got a beaucoup of dough to spend
 
It appears the Raiders will not be keeping two guys who would be huge at Texans' holes - LT Veldheer who they think would be better at RT and 6'3" 300 lb run stuffing DE Lamarr Houston. Worth exploring the price on both of them.

Most reports have Veldheer to the Cardinals very soon and Houston going to the Bears.
 
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