Five Free Agent Targets for the Texans

Overtime Heroics Editorial

1286 days ago

The NFL offseason is in full swing. Although no big moves have occurred as of late, it’s always fun to make predictions. Texans general manager Nick Caserio has proven that he’ll make moves necessary to set the Texans up for success, so this might be a big offseason for Houston. With lots of talent available in free agency this offseason, who should the Texans target?

1. Von Miller

Assuming that the Rams don’t re-sign Von Miller, the Texans should consider signing him. Miller is an elite defender at the age of 32. Miller is a two-time Super Bowl champ, a Super Bowl MVP, three-time All-Pro, and an eight-time Pro Bowler. Miller wouldn’t be a bad fit for the Texans’ defense, as they need a good pass rusher and Miller fits that need.

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 13: Von Miller #40 of the Los Angeles Rams holds up the Vince Lombardi Trophy after Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium on February 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Los Angeles Rams defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

However, the only downside to signing Miller would be his age and his past injuries. The Texans’ defense wasn’t good in 2021, but the Texans will look to upgrade in any way they can. If they do sign Miller, it more than likely will be a small contract no longer than two years.

2. Ryan Jensen

Another area the Texans struggled with this past season was their offensive line. Ryan Jensen is a really good offensive lineman that excels at his position. Jensen has played with some talented teams such as Baltimore and Tampa Bay, so he’s no stranger to good offenses.

Jenson would be a great fit for Houston considering their lack of offensive line help. If the Texans did sign him, it would most likely be a one-year contract.

3. Tyrann Mathieu

Tyrann Mathieu is no stranger to Houston, as he played there during the 2018 season. Mathieu did well during his time in Houston, and given the right price, he could possibly make a return.

HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 07: Tyrann Mathieu #32 of the Houston Texans celebrates a stop against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at NRG Stadium on October 7, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Mathieu is a good safety. However, one of his biggest weaknesses is that he can be beaten in coverage often as he tries to make a play.

With the way Nick Caserio handles free agent contracts, don’t expect anything above two years for Mathieu.

4. James Conner

James Conner is coming off one of his better seasons as of late. The Texans’ running game was atrocious last season mostly due to a weak offensive line. Adding Conner would make the offense less one-dimensional and more aggressive.

Conner makes the most sense out of the bunch, but until Houston upgrades its offensive line, it’s likely not going to happen.

5. Davante Adams

Perhaps one of the least likely to happen, Davante Adams to the Texans would make sense. Outside of Brandin Cooks, the Texans don’t really have any big player makers in the receiver core. With a young quarterback in Davis Mills, adding a threat in Adams would do nothing but good for Mills.

Caserio tends to give short contracts, but for someone with the talent of Adams, if the Texans did sign him, I would suspect something in the four-year range.

Final Thoughts

The Texans have lots of questions to answer this offseason, it’s only a matter of IF they decide to answer them. I, alongside most Texans fans, am optimistic that they’ll do the right thing, but with their past transaction history, I wouldn’t hold my breath.

Be sure to follow me on Twitter @KeganCrawford for more of my content.

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