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Which off-season moves would you like the Texans to make? (Roster/FA)

The Texans need to upgrade almost every position on the OL. So we need to swing for at-least 2 of the top OL in FA, either Guard or Tackle. Get the best players you can that fit what you do.

When you look at Andrew Norwell (Panthers) and Justin Pugh (Giants) their teams don't have a ton of cap space to work with (relative to the Texans).

Giants - $23,319,235
Panthers - $21,360,591

We might be paying one of them Brandon Brooks type money.

Obviously we can't fix everything in one off season, but we need to try and fix most of the OL and Secondary issues in FA. I think our best shot it signing 2 OL and 1 CB/S. We could shoot for bringing J-Jo back, then signing a safety.

Butler's Market value in FA is $13.2 million annual salary, according to spotrac.
 
Rich Schmidt said:
Need to determine our CB and safety plan, do we finally move Kareem and upgrade CB, or upgrade safety and CB. Also want a TE. The OL is #1 and FA/Draft needed here. I think Mancz,Martin, Davenport are a start, maybe Newton can be counted on as a backup but no more. Backup QB is probably important too. basically means WR, LB and DL are areas you manage with what you have and UDFA and focus on OL, DB, TE, QB
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You are the first to mention QB. Other than DW, we do not have a QB signed for 2018. We'll need to go after a competent #2 in free agency and should draft a QB in the bottom half of the draft.
 
If I had to narrow it down to 2-3 offensive lineman and 2-3 secondary players:

Offensive Line
Andrew Norwell, G
Justin Pugh, G
Nate Solder, OT (I think he may be cheaper than we think, who knows)

Secondary
Lamarcus Joyner, S
E.J. Gains, CB
Eric Reid, S
Tre Boston, S
 
tomjn80 said:
The Texans need to upgrade almost every position on the OL. So we need to swing for at-least 2 of the top OL in FA, either Guard or Tackle. Get the best players you can that fit what you do.

When you look at Andrew Norwell (Panthers) and Justin Pugh (Giants) their teams don't have a ton of cap space to work with (relative to the Texans).

Giants - $23,319,235
Panthers - $21,360,591

We might be paying one of them Brandon Brooks type money.

Obviously we can't fix everything in one off season, but we need to try and fix most of the OL and Secondary issues in FA. I think our best shot it signing 2 OL and 1 CB/S. We could shoot for bringing J-Jo back, then signing a safety.

Butler's Market value in FA is $13.2 million annual salary, according to spotrac.
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I think that signing Norvell/Butler and a couple top notch ST's are about as good as you can expect in FA this yr. Where did you get Butler's expected FA numbers from.
 
Number19 said:
You are the first to mention QB. Other than DW, we do not have a QB signed for 2018. We'll need to go after a competent #2 in free agency and should draft a QB in the bottom half of the draft.
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Lots of options there. Just not sure why the Texans don't want to go after any of them but we absolutely need a backup QB (and a developmental one in the 3rd spot) that in some way mirrors DW4's style of play. Savage was bad but what made it even worse was that they play the position in almost entirely different ways. Can't have a backup QB in there who necessitates throwing out large parts of the playbook and making the rest of the offense get familiar with stuff they never run with your starter. That's just plain obvious to all of us (but not apparently to OB last year)
 
Hervoyel said:
Lots of options there. Just not sure why the Texans don't want to go after any of them but we absolutely need a backup QB (and a developmental one in the 3rd spot) that in some way mirrors DW4's style of play. Savage was bad but what made it even worse was that they play the position in almost entirely different ways. Can't have a backup QB in there who necessitates throwing out large parts of the playbook and making the rest of the offense get familiar with stuff they never run with your starter. That's just plain obvious to all of us (but not apparently to OB last year)
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My question is where do you find that backup QB?

My pick would be RGIII. His style of QB play is alot like Watson's.
 
The Eight Most Important Action Items For New Texans GM Brian Gaine
http://www.houstonpress.com/news/brian-gaines-early-to-do-list-as-texans-gm-10120712

8. Decide whether or not to extend Bernardrick McKinney this offseason
One semi-unpopular opinion that I've espoused both on my radio show and on Twitter is that the new Texans GM should see if there is a trade market out there for McKinney, and try to recoup some of the lost draft equity from the Great QB Search of 2016-2017. If someone out there wants to to give the Texans a second round pick for McKinney, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, I say you roll with Zach Cunningham, Dylan Cole, and perhaps an older veteran from the bargain bin at inside linebacker. Deal from a position of strength. The Texans won't do it, in part because I don't think anyone will give them a second round pick for McKInney. Instead, I would expect the Texans to give McKinney an extension this offseason in the neighborhood of one of the top 10 or 12 inside linebackers in football (about $8 million or $9 million) a year, which is an overpay, in my opinion, but O'Brien seems to hold McKinney in a "core player" kind of regard.

7. Cut Brian Cushing
I was expecting this to happen after Cushing came back from his PED policy violation suspension, but it didn't happen. Upon his return, over the final four weeks of the season, Cushing was about as invisible and ordinary as he's been over the last couple years. Cushing's value to the team has been more anecdotal fluff from O'Brien about "heart and soul" than, you know, ACTUAL IMPACT FOOTBALL PLAYS. The Texans can save $7.6 million against the cap by cutting Cushing loose. Let's just get this over with, and if they want to use some of those savings to extend McKinney, then sure, whatever.

6. Figure out Kevin Johnson's contractual future
By sometime in early May, the Texans will need to decide whether or not to exercise Kevin Johnson's fifth year option for the 2019 season. If they do that, it means they have him locked up for two more seasons, 2018 at just under $2 million and 2019 at the average of the third through 25th highest salaries at cornerback in the league. (For point of reference, cornerbacks in the 2014 draft picked near Johnson received a fifth year option of around $8.5 million.) There are two problems with giving Johnson the fifth year option. First, the option year is guaranteed for injury, and Johnson has been injured in each of his first three seasons. Second, and more importantly, Kevin Johnson stunk last season. According to Pro Football Focus, he was rated 121st out of 121 cornerbacks. Dead last. One solution for the Texans, if they believe Johnson has a turnaround in him (let's not forget, he was solid to very good his first two seasons in the league), would be to go the Whitney Mercilus route and, instead of a fifth year option, give him a four year extension at what would become a bargain price if Johnson reverts to his old form. Given their lack of depth right now at corner, depending on the guaranteed money, this is a leap of faith I might take, if I were Gaine.

5. Start to formulate J.J. Watt contingency plans
All signs appear positive so far in Watt's rehabilitation from the latest setback, a fractured tibial plateau. Of course, those signs are basically just videos posted on Watt's own Twitter feed, not exactly official doctor's reports. The Texans have Watt on the books for four more years at $57 million, which is a bargain if he gets back to being even 75 percent of what he was before his body began breaking down. The problem is that nobody knows what Watt is going to be when he comes back. Gaine needs to start forming Watt contingency plans based on his physical condition and, in turn, his production this coming season. 2018 will probably be contractual business as usual for Watt, but there need to be the seeds of a "just in case" plan in place for future seasons, a plan both addressing Watt's future directly and the defensive line depth chart as a whole. Given Watt's stature on the team and in the community, nothing having to do with Watt's handling can be done rashly. It needs to be well thought out.

4. Get a real backup QB
Yes, this begins with not bringing back Tom Savage or T.J. Yates. Get real backups, backups that allow you to continue using all (or at least, MOST) of the pages you've added to the playbook for Deshaun Watson. I'd be fine with bringing back Ryan Fitzpatrick as a veteran backup, or if somehow Tyrod Taylor gets cut by Buffalo and then somehow loses the game of "starting QB musical chairs" mourned the league, I'd give him "overpay" backup money. Watson's rookie contract and its $3.4 million average annual salary give you some flexibility. I would also use a late round pick on a mobile college QB like Quinton Flowers from South Florida, and see if you can groom him as the prime backup starting in 2019.

3. Jadeveon Clowney's extension
It's going to be an interesting offseason for contract extensions for young, foundational defensive players. The 2014 draft class includes Clowney, Khalil Mack, and Aaron Donald, all of whom are expecting new deals. Based on what they've done so far in the league, Clowney is the clear third place behind Mack and Donald, but it would be fascinating to see what the market would say if all three were free agents. I think Donald would still be the clear cut No. 1, but Mack and Clowney play a more valued position, and I could see some teams viewing Clowney as a better asset going forward than Mack. I will say that Clowney picked the perfect season to play all 16 games, and he is going into negotiations fairly well armed. As players already in house go, Clowney's situation is clearly Gaine's first big project, and we will learn a lot about how Gaine philosophically handles big money extensions for existing Texans in his negotiations with Clowney.

2. Fill at least one huge need with a prime free agent
When it comes to available cap dollars for the Texans in free agency, the number that gets thrown around in conversations is "around $50 million." I would direct you to Texans Cap for a tremendous breakdown on what exactly the Texans have in their pockets to attack the free agent market, because there are a ton of little categories of spending we forget about (like setting aside money to replace injured players, grievances, etc.) —- it almost looks like a paystub where, say, gross pay of five grand becomes three grand because of FICA, Medicare, and the taxes. The real number, according to Texans Cap, is more like $29 million. If the Texans are going to use this cap space for help, I'm hoping they use it to focus on the secondary, either at corner or safety. I don't think there's a 2011 Johnathan Joseph out there at CB, but maybe you go for a marquee safety like Lamarcus Joyner and a second tier cornerback. Or maybe you move Kareem Jackson to safety and sign a couple B+ corners. The offensive line free agency class is kind of blah, so I'd rather go with in-house solutions and the draft to fix that position group. Speaking of....

1. Fix the offensive line
Truth be told, they will probably use at least some of that cap money on the offensive line in some fashion. The only guarantee on the 2018 line right now is that Nick Martin will be part of it. After that, all bets are off. I wouldn't have a problem with trying a "Greg Mancz at center, Nick Martin at guard" combo, as you might wind up getting more out of each player in those spots. In-house variables right now include Derek Newton's health, Julien Davenport's development, and a wild card like David Quessenberry or Kyle Fuller making a big leap this offseason. Gaine and his scouting department are going to need to scout the hell out of some prospective rookie tackles over the next two months, and figure out a way to parlay their three 2018 third round picks and that 2019 second rounder from the Duane Brown trade into AT LEAST a starting tackle. That's my prediction as to where and how they find a young tackle that we can feel good about. The positive elephant in the room in any offensive line discussion is the return of Deshaun Watson, whose skills should make a C- group (which would be a massive upgrade from last year's F- group) look like a B- or B.
 
Looking at what is available on the FA market, I’m still confounded as to why Duane Brown wasn’t handled correctly. He would be the #1 LT in the market if available. Solidifying the offensive line in one offseason just doesn’t look plausible. Lots of cap room with nothing to spend it on.
 
How about if they got out of town so we could hopefully get a well-run franchise in here?
 
Number19 said:
You are the first to mention QB. Other than DW, we do not have a QB signed for 2018. We'll need to go after a competent #2 in free agency and should draft a QB in the bottom half of the draft.
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Yeah, why spend all that other FA money , draft capital etc if you don't have a backup QB. Foles, Keenum are both backups, good enough to keep you in contention. We have noone signed, and probably prefer someone more like DW4 style than Savage. so yeah, need a QB strategy too. Gaine has a lot of work to do
 
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Lucky said:
Looking at what is available on the FA market, I’m still confounded as to why Duane Brown wasn’t handled correctly. He would be the #1 LT in the market if available. Solidifying the offensive line in one offseason just doesn’t look plausible. Lots of cap room with nothing to spend it on.
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How could it have been handled more correctly? Are you suggesting we give in and pay DB what he wanted? I was not a fan of giving in and setting a bad precedence. I also think we were able to get more from the trade than I would have expected.
 
dream_team said:
How could it have been handled more correctly? Are you suggesting we give in and pay DB what he wanted? I was not a fan of giving in and setting a bad precedence. I also think we were able to get more from the trade than I would have expected.
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I just wish Rick Smith would have been more aggressive a lot sooner on the Duane Brown front. He kept using his "Duane and my sister went to school together and our families our great friends so he'll show up soon" card during the first few days he was holding out. Well, that friendship and loyalty didn't work and Duane Brown made the situation so bad we ended up trading him after his first game back.

Rick Smith was the reason why our offensive line was so bad. He leaves us with a really bad offensive line, but no matter, we'll figure out a way to overcome this. I just wish Rick Smith and his wife all the best right now. I'm praying for his family. That's more important than anything else right now.
 
Bulls on Parade said:
I just wish Rick Smith would have been more aggressive a lot sooner on the Duane Brown front. He kept using his "Duane and my sister went to school together and our families our great friends so he'll show up soon" card during the first few days he was holding out. Well, that friendship and loyalty didn't work and Duane Brown made the situation so bad we ended up trading him after his first game back.

Rick Smith was the reason why our offensive line was so bad. He leaves us with a really bad offensive line, but no matter, we'll figure out a way to overcome this. I just wish Rick Smith and his wife all the best right now. I'm praying for his family. That's more important than anything else right now.
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So do you think Bill OBrien just stayed at home doing nothing when they were building the roster?
 
TheKDog said:
So do you think Bill OBrien just stayed at home doing nothing when they were building the roster?
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In terms of Duane Brown which is all I'm referring to, I've heard Bill O'Brien say, "That's not my job. I'll let the right person handle it. I'm here to coach the guys that are here." That was when he was asked about when he thought Duane Brown was going to end his hold out. This was way back in early September.

If Duane Brown were still here and happy playing left tackle for the Houston Texans, our offensive line would likely be a whole lot better. We wouldn't be going into this off-season with as many question marks or holes on that offensive line. The toughest one to fill is left tackle.

Somebody dropped the ball with Duane Brown. It wasn't O'Brien, IMO.
 
dream_team said:
How could it have been handled more correctly? Are you suggesting we give in and pay DB what he wanted? I was not a fan of giving in and setting a bad precedence. I also think we were able to get more from the trade than I would have expected.
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Ricky had about as bad an offseason as you could possibly have.

1. Traded away a 2nd for the cap room to sign Romo. Misread the tea leaves on that one.
2. Let Bouye walk
3. Misread the DB tea leaves and didn't address the OL, which also cost his QB that he drafted to makeup for misreading Romo tea leaves.

Man I'm glad Ricky is on LOA. I hate why he's on LOA.
 
steelbtexan said:
Ricky had about as bad an offseason as you could possibly have.

1. Traded away a 2nd for the cap room to sign Romo. Misread the tea leaves on that one.
2. Let Bouye walk
3. Misread the DB tea leaves and didn't address the OL, which also cost his QB that he drafted to makeup for misreading Romo tea leaves.

Man I'm glad Ricky is on LOA. I hate why he's on LOA.
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I specifically asked about the DB situation. How could have Rick realistically handled it better? The only other option I can think of is to pay the man the money he’s asking for.
 
dream_team said:
I specifically asked about the DB situation. How could have Rick realistically handled it better? The only other option I can think of is to pay the man the money he’s asking for.
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We don't even know he wanted more money. One rumor was he wanted his contract guaranteed. Another was he wanted an extension.
 
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Bulls on Parade said:
I just wish Rick Smith would have been more aggressive a lot sooner on the Duane Brown front.
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What exactly is “more aggressive”? Without paying him what he wanted, not sure what difference could have been made?

Rick Smith was the reason why our offensive line was so bad. He leaves us with a really bad offensive line, but no matter, we'll figure out a way to overcome this. I just wish Rick Smith and his wife all the best right now. I'm praying for his family. That's more important than anything else right now.
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Or possibly the coaching was bad? Keep in mind, Sua-Filo and Allen were good players before they became Texans. Breno just had the worst season of his career.
 
dream_team said:
I specifically asked about the DB situation. How could have Rick realistically handled it better? The only other option I can think of is to pay the man the money he’s asking for.
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By realizing that McNair pissed DB off and DB didn't want to play for the Texans org anymore. You need to go check out some of the posts that said exactly this in the DB thread. Those thoughts got poo poo'ed at the time but turned out to be true.

When you realize DB didn't want to play for the Texans org, Ricky should've tried to fix the OL in the draft. Dawkins/Robinson were the guys i liked.
 
dream_team said:
I specifically asked about the DB situation. How could have Rick realistically handled it better? The only other option I can think of is to pay the man the money he’s asking for.
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IMO when it was obvious he was unhappy they should have either fixed his contact or traded him before the season. Or just kept him when he came back and trade him now
 
Bulls on Parade said:
I just wish Rick Smith would have been more aggressive a lot sooner on the Duane Brown front. He kept using his "Duane and my sister went to school together and our families our great friends so he'll show up soon" card during the first few days he was holding out. Well, that friendship and loyalty didn't work and Duane Brown made the situation so bad we ended up trading him after his first game back.

Rick Smith was the reason why our offensive line was so bad. He leaves us with a really bad offensive line, but no matter, we'll figure out a way to overcome this. I just wish Rick Smith and his wife all the best right now. I'm praying for his family. That's more important than anything else right now.
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first I remember hearing of Brown's sister going to school with Smith. Getting a third and a second in 2019 was very good IMO. Agree on prayers for Mrs. Smith.
 
Kline has looked on passing snaps but IIRC not so good run blocking..still I doubt Tennessee let's him go without a great offer.
 
badboy said:
Kline has looked on passing snaps but IIRC not so good run blocking..still I doubt Tennessee let's him go without a great offer.
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Yet still better than Allen/XSF.

I really want Norvell.

But Kline comes from the Pats system, so he should be a good fit.
 
Seegara said:
It wouldn't have to be an existing franchise. I'd be happy to see Houston granted a new team.
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Or you could switch to a winning franchise you respected... would't have to be the same one, it could change year to year
 
Which off-season moves make sense sort of depends on how realistic the views are for 2018. Personally, with a weak FA market and a draft that doesn't lick-off until RD3, 2018 could be a season in which the team just tries to regain some respect. If there was ever a time to initiate the hard decisions, 2018 could be the year.

Making the necessary cuts to help the cap this season or next is imperative. Cutting Cushing, Allen and Newton would add money to the coffers. The team would lose absolutely nothing in terms of top contributor status players.

As for the necessary moves or additions, I would like to see the team get Mancz, Blue and Joseph re-signed at minimum. I know other solid players in FA could be had but it would come at elite player type of money. I'd be more interested in some bridge players with possible upside and low contract obligations. I'd be fine with OT- Greg Robinson, OG- Luke Joekel and OT- Seantrell Henderson. Robinson and Joekel were both RD1-02 picks in their respective draft classes and both have failed to live up to draft day expectations. I would roll the dice (and they would be inexpensive dice) on both these guys in the hopes that a better OL coach could find their glitch and attempt the repair process. If it works, the team would've essentially got a couple of top draft picks when they didn't possess any and if it doesn't, not the end of the world since the next 2 drafts should feature new OL being added to the fold.

The biggest move would be the same move I mentioned last off-season...and it wasn't popular thought. Clowney just had another nice season and is going back into another knee surgery during the off-season. If he had been healthy for the most part, I'd be good with the new contract. My fear, he gets the nice, big, post rookie contract money and the prior injuries limit his production going forward. Watt's contract is beginning to look the same way, is he going to hold up to his old Pro Bowl standards for the final years of his contract? Back to Clowney, I think the Texans could get a better than expected compensation package for him if they were to actively shop him. I mentioned last year that I wouldn't mind looking to the Browns for a deal that would involve Joe Thomas and picks...no one really liked the idea of taking an old and broken down Thomas and picks for Clowney. If a deal like this was broached this off-season and b/c of the state of the teams OL, what could the Texans get in return for Clowney besides Thomas? Or, would they better off just seeking a package of draft picks?

I mentioned in another post that Miller would go on the block. he's just not the type of RB needed in O'Brien's offense. I think, contrary to what others may have mentioned, there could be a market for his services. It wouldn't be the highest pick in return but it would be something. One team that could probably successfully scheme Miller into their offensive plans, the Patriots. For some reason, O'Brien has continued to treat him as if he's a big power back.

If moving Watt at some point became a viable option, it would probably happen before the trade deadline, especially if he was enjoying a rebound season (the Texans were not) and teams in the playoff hunt was lacking production on the DL...the haul could be impressive. I would be fine with picks spanning the 2019 and 2020 drafts.
 
OptimisticTexan said:
Which off-season moves make sense sort of depends on how realistic the views are for 2018. Personally, with a weak FA market and a draft that doesn't lick-off until RD3, 2018 could be a season in which the team just tries to regain some respect. If there was ever a time to initiate the hard decisions, 2018 could be the year.

Making the necessary cuts to help the cap this season or next is imperative. Cutting Cushing, Allen and Newton would add money to the coffers. The team would lose absolutely nothing in terms of top contributor status players.

As for the necessary moves or additions, I would like to see the team get Mancz, Blue and Joseph re-signed at minimum. I know other solid players in FA could be had but it would come at elite player type of money. I'd be more interested in some bridge players with possible upside and low contract obligations. I'd be fine with OT- Greg Robinson, OG- Luke Joekel and OT- Seantrell Henderson. Robinson and Joekel were both RD1-02 picks in their respective draft classes and both have failed to live up to draft day expectations. I would roll the dice (and they would be inexpensive dice) on both these guys in the hopes that a better OL coach could find their glitch and attempt the repair process. If it works, the team would've essentially got a couple of top draft picks when they didn't possess any and if it doesn't, not the end of the world since the next 2 drafts should feature new OL being added to the fold.

The biggest move would be the same move I mentioned last off-season...and it wasn't popular thought. Clowney just had another nice season and is going back into another knee surgery during the off-season. If he had been healthy for the most part, I'd be good with the new contract. My fear, he gets the nice, big, post rookie contract money and the prior injuries limit his production going forward. Watt's contract is beginning to look the same way, is he going to hold up to his old Pro Bowl standards for the final years of his contract? Back to Clowney, I think the Texans could get a better than expected compensation package for him if they were to actively shop him. I mentioned last year that I wouldn't mind looking to the Browns for a deal that would involve Joe Thomas and picks...no one really liked the idea of taking an old and broken down Thomas and picks for Clowney. If a deal like this was broached this off-season and b/c of the state of the teams OL, what could the Texans get in return for Clowney besides Thomas? Or, would they better off just seeking a package of draft picks?

I mentioned in another post that Miller would go on the block. he's just not the type of RB needed in O'Brien's offense. I think, contrary to what others may have mentioned, there could be a market for his services. It wouldn't be the highest pick in return but it would be something. One team that could probably successfully scheme Miller into their offensive plans, the Patriots. For some reason, O'Brien has continued to treat him as if he's a big power back.

If moving Watt at some point became a viable option, it would probably happen before the trade deadline, especially if he was enjoying a rebound season (the Texans were not) and teams in the playoff hunt was lacking production on the DL...the haul could be impressive. I would be fine with picks spanning the 2019 and 2020 drafts.
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First, I'm good with cutting Cushing, Allen, and Newton to free up a little more cap space and I could see the Texans cutting ties with 1, 2, or all 3 of them.

Second, I think getting Robinson and Joekel in FA would probably be a waste of time but if they can get them cheap, then hey, go for it. Maybe the Texans O-line coaches can get something out of them that the other coaches weren't able to. I know that injuries have played a part in their careers but the reality is that what made them good in college, in a spread offense, just hasn't translated well for them in the NFL. Some seem to make the transition and others don't. This should be something that most GM's and Coaches are aware of in the NFL by now that an O-lineman, with all the measurables and great film from a spread offense in college, may not translate well in the pro game and it may be best to get your O-linemen from the schools that run at least some pro style offenses. I can only hope Gaine, BOB, and the rest of the staff will look at this when grading the O-linemen and try to see past just the measurables.

Third, I can understand some people on here having the desire to trade Clowney because of his past injuries and what might come in the future (Thanks "Doc!" :D) health wise. It would suck if they got stuck with another big contract like Watt's and the player was rarely on the field! All signs though point to them signing Clowney to a big money extension. I just hope he holds up and plays at a high level for at least the next 3 to 4 years so the money won't be a total waste. They'll be "hamstrung" pretty bad if Watt never plays very well again and then Clowney's health (what there is of it) deteriorates quickly. We could be back in "cap hell" again if that happened and probably no way to trade either one! Which leads me to.....

Fourth and finally, I'm not sure trading Watt will ever be "a viable option," especially to the fans of Houston. They will never be able to get out of him, in a trade, what he is worth to the team and this city in general. He has become an icon and idol to millions in this city. The last time BOB got rid of an icon (AJ) there were a lot of upset people around here. The only reason most have forgiven him was because it was basically AJ's decision to leave after what BOB had told AJ his role would be in the new offense and that's about what he produced with the Colts. I don't know how Watt's playing career will end here in Houston but I do hope he is able to come back and play to a high enough level that he, and we, can enjoy his game again. I also hope that he and Clowney can stay healthy and productive long enough with Watson to bring at least one Super Bowl to the city of Houston! :trophy:
 
Just heard on 610 that the Texans are looking into re-signing XSF. I couldn’t find a link on this story. Anyone else hear of this?


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Insideop said:
First, I'm good with cutting Cushing, Allen, and Newton to free up a little more cap space and I could see the Texans cutting ties with 1, 2, or all 3 of them.

Second, I think getting Robinson and Joekel in FA would probably be a waste of time but if they can get them cheap, then hey, go for it. Maybe the Texans O-line coaches can get something out of them that the other coaches weren't able to. I know that injuries have played a part in their careers but the reality is that what made them good in college, in a spread offense, just hasn't translated well for them in the NFL. Some seem to make the transition and others don't. This should be something that most GM's and Coaches are aware of in the NFL by now that an O-lineman, with all the measurables and great film from a spread offense in college, may not translate well in the pro game and it may be best to get your O-linemen from the schools that run at least some pro style offenses. I can only hope Gaine, BOB, and the rest of the staff will look at this when grading the O-linemen and try to see past just the measurables.

Third, I can understand some people on here having the desire to trade Clowney because of his past injuries and what might come in the future (Thanks "Doc!" :D) health wise. It would suck if they got stuck with another big contract like Watt's and the player was rarely on the field! All signs though point to them signing Clowney to a big money extension. I just hope he holds up and plays at a high level for at least the next 3 to 4 years so the money won't be a total waste. They'll be "hamstrung" pretty bad if Watt never plays very well again and then Clowney's health (what there is of it) deteriorates quickly. We could be back in "cap hell" again if that happened and probably no way to trade either one! Which leads me to.....

Fourth and finally, I'm not sure trading Watt will ever be "a viable option," especially to the fans of Houston. They will never be able to get out of him, in a trade, what he is worth to the team and this city in general. He has become an icon and idol to millions in this city. The last time BOB got rid of an icon (AJ) there were a lot of upset people around here. The only reason most have forgiven him was because it was basically AJ's decision to leave after what BOB had told AJ his role would be in the new offense and that's about what he produced with the Colts. I don't know how Watt's playing career will end here in Houston but I do hope he is able to come back and play to a high enough level that he, and we, can enjoy his game again. I also hope that he and Clowney can stay healthy and productive long enough with Watson to bring at least one Super Bowl to the city of Houston! :trophy:
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Good post. The only thing I disagree with is:
1. Cutting Newton: This only saves you $2,000,000 off the cap, which I don't think will make a big difference when it comes to FA acquisitions.
 
I don't see them resigning XSF. From what I heard, XSF was Ricks pick, while BOB wanted Joel Bitonio (who's been a very good player).
 
steelbtexan said:
Yet still better than Allen/XSF.

I really want Norvell.

But Kline comes from the Pats system, so he should be a good fit.
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No see we do have limited resources/cap-space you know - on offensive linemen save the big $$ for OTs not interior OLinemen.
 
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