2015 Houston Texans Thread (1 Viewer)

[GregR]

Yep, Mallett is in pretty much exactly the same position as the Browns were at with Hoyer last year... had 1 great game then was injured so you didn't have much more to go on than that. There's a chance he can end up being a worthwhile NFL starter, but there's nothing which makes that something which can be said with full confidence. The more options the better. Going with average yearly salary as a basis since we don't know yearly details yet, the Texans QB pay for the 2 would have had them ranked about 23rd last year, the same as Oakland or Jacksonville. And that is based on what teams paid under last year's cap while this year's has gone up.

 

[GregR]

Andre Johnson to visit the Colts. Who apparently are also signing Frank Gore.

 

[GregR]

Unimportant gossip. Clowney bit by Swearinger's pit bull, not serious.

SportsRadio 610 has learned that Clowney was bitten by teammate D.J. Swearinger’s pit bull last week. Police records obtained describe a bite to Clowney’s right arm that sent him to a Pearland emergency room. The incident occurred in the early morning of March 4th.

Swearinger’s dog broke the skin on the right arm of Clowney with the bite according to the report. Further investigation by the agency indicated the dog’s vaccinations are good until early April.

The bite was characterized to SportsRadio 610 by a member of the Pearland police department as a “minor bite” and no further medical information on Clowney was noted in the report.

Why does it not surprise me that if Swearinger owned a dog, it would be a pit bull?

 

[GregR]

And the migration of former Texans (and Ravens) to Denver has begun.

Adam Schefter ‏@AdamSchefter 4m4 minutes ago

Denver has reached agreement with TE Owen Daniels, per sources.

 

[GregR]

Houston Texans Buzz ‏@texansbuzztap 59m59 minutes ago

http://battleredblog.com >> 2015 Houston Texans Free Agent Tracker: Brooks Reed Signs With Atlanta Falcons http://buzztap.com/-8GI49C

 

[GregR]

John McClain ‏@McClain_on_NFL 2m2 minutes ago

Case Keenum signed tender today and is being traded back to Rams for 7th round pick.

PFT says 2016 7th round pick.

 

[GregR]

Tarpinian re-signed per Texans website. Haven't seen any contract details yet.

 

[GregR]

Cowboys LB Bruce Carter has visits set with the Texans and Bucs.

Texans reportedly interested in Vince Wilfork. He's 2 years younger than Pickett.

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans traded quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to the New York Jets for a late-round conditional draft pick in 2016, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.


The Texans will get a conditional seventh-round pick that can become a sixth based on how much playing time Fitzpatrick gets with the Jets.

The Texans signed Fitzpatrick to a two-year deal worth $7.25 million on March 21, 2014, the same day they traded quarterback Matt Schaub to the Oakland Raiders. The Jets will take on Fitzpatrick's base salary of $3.25 million for the 2015 season.

Fitzpatrick was the odd man out in Houston with the team re-signing Ryan Mallett and agreeing to a deal with free-agent quarterback Brian Hoyer. Both quarterbacks began their careers in New England and spent time there with Texans coach Bill O'Brien.

Upon completion of his physical, Hoyer is expected to sign a two-year deal worth $10.5 million with $4.75 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN's Adam Caplan.

 

[TheFly06]

To those complaining about getting both Hoyer and Mallett:

Recent Texans history says you can never have enough QBs ready to play:

2011 - Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, TJ Yates and even Jake Delhomme all saw action in the regular season.

2013 - Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Case Keenum all played.

2014 - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, and Tom Savage all got injured. They had to bring Case Keenum back from a deer stand.

Needless to say, signing Hoyer can't hurt.

 

[dhockster]

To those complaining about getting both Hoyer and Mallett:

Recent Texans history says you can never have enough QBs ready to play:

2011 - Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, TJ Yates and even Jake Delhomme all saw action in the regular season.

2013 - Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Case Keenum all played.

2014 - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, and Tom Savage all got injured. They had to bring Case Keenum back from a deer stand.

Needless to say, signing Hoyer can't hurt.

Well, what they need to do is stop signing all those Nancy's and find a QB who's not a paper doll and tough enough to play all 16 games of the regular season.

 

[GregR]

Dre signed with Indy.

####### Colts.

 

[TheFly06]

To those complaining about getting both Hoyer and Mallett:

Recent Texans history says you can never have enough QBs ready to play:

2011 - Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, TJ Yates and even Jake Delhomme all saw action in the regular season.

2013 - Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Case Keenum all played.

2014 - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, and Tom Savage all got injured. They had to bring Case Keenum back from a deer stand.

Needless to say, signing Hoyer can't hurt.

Well, what they need to do is stop signing all those Nancy's and find a QB who's not a paper doll and tough enough to play all 16 games of the regular season.

Easier said than done friend. Maybe Bridgewater or Bortles was the answer, but there haven't been many good free agent QBs out there lately.

 

[GregR]

In his retirement Instagram message, Courtland Finnegan took a shot at Andre, saying he hit like a "bish":

Spent 9 years doing something I Loved and it has payed off in so many ways.. To say I have been blessed is an understatement I am forever thankful.. I have made my share of mistakes and had moments of glory. I even got into a fight in an NFL Game ( he hits like a bish) ??. I'm thankful for the friends I made on and off the field love yAll.. Time to move on and enjoy new people new places and new ideas.. I forgot to thank all the haters I love yAll to

Probably not a bad idea for Finnegan to do so considering he failed to get any shots in during the actual fight.

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans have reached an agreement with free-agent safety Rahim Moore on a three-year deal worth $12 million, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

 

[GregR]

Hoyer's final deal was 2 years, $10.5m with $4.75m guaranteed, instead of the 3 years in the initial reports on having reached an agreement.

 

[ragnarok628]

So, state of the roster: need OL, WR?

 

[coolnerd]

So, state of the roster: need OL, WR?

WR, ILB, depth almost everywhere

 

[GregR]

Yes, I'd think WR and ILB and even OLB would be high on the list. OL it is tougher to say what they are thinking. With Myers gone, that would mean Ben Jones slides to center probably, and Su'a-Filo moves in at guard. I don't know how comfortable they are about either of those. They did draft Su'a-Filo high so might still be high on him, though he didn't seem to play very well last year. But this is a team who gave Kareem Jackson and Derek Newton a chance to develop after horrible starts to their careers, so wouldn't surprise me if they run with the current OL and maybe just look for some depth. They also get Quessenberry back but I don't think you can have any confidence yet you have any kind of starter there either.

 

[ragnarok628]

gonna be a rough year, isn't it.

 

[Buckna]

Curious to see what we do about WR, thats got to be the biggest gaping hole right now and all the big name FA's are gone. Do they take a stud in the 1st or a Welker, Amendola, Edelman type later?

Outside of that, good luck predicting our draft this year. Could use solid upgrades on both lines, LB'er, TE, a replacement at Corner for JJo. Maybe they finally go BPA although Rick Smith has usually been a need based drafter. Seems like it will be another meat and potatoes type draft outside of needing a WR badly.

 

[GregR]

Vince Wilfork in town Sunday night for a visit.

Agent says familiary with Texans appeals to WilforkBy Tania Ganguli | ESPN.com
The Houston Texans want Vince Wilfork, and the interest is mutual.

The familiarity with the Texans staff is appealing to the massive nose tackle. "Vince has several opportunities he's looking at," Wilfork's agent, Kennard McGuire, told Mark Berman of Houston's Fox 26. "Obviously I'm very biased being in Houston and wanting him to be here with me. I would welcome that.

"One of the benefits from the [Texans] organization's standpoint is that of familiarity. Vince played with [linebackers coach Mike] Vrabel. He was coached by Billy O and RAC [defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel]. All of those elements are appealing to Vince. I think it's a priority."

McGuire's last dealing with the Texans was on a less pleasant matter. He also represents receiver Andre Johnson, who chose the Colts after the Texans released him in part because of a familiarity with Colts coach Chuck Pagano. Pagano recruited Johnson to Miami many years ago.

"It's no different than Andre when Andre made his decision," McGuire said. "That decision was based off of familiarity and with Vince you have those same elements. I believe when that landscape is clear I'm hoping that he will look here."

McGuire, who lives in Houston, noted Wilfork, 33, is in no rush.

"There are about five or six other teams, mostly AFC teams, couple in the NFC, that are looking to add a player of Vince's magnitude," he said. "Vince is going to take his time."

 

[Buckna]

Both Vince Wilfork & Cecil Shorts signing two year deals today. Havent seen $ amts yet

 

[FF Ninja]

Ugh. I've never been a big fan of Shorts. I just don't trust receivers who can't catch. I would've rather had Stevie or Crabtree. But I guess $6M for 2 years is all we wanted to spend at WR. I was more excited about last season than this season.

 

[jsharlan]

To those complaining about getting both Hoyer and Mallett:

Recent Texans history says you can never have enough QBs ready to play:

2011 - Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, TJ Yates and even Jake Delhomme all saw action in the regular season.

2013 - Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Case Keenum all played.

2014 - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, and Tom Savage all got injured. They had to bring Case Keenum back from a deer stand.

Needless to say, signing Hoyer can't hurt.

Well, what they need to do is stop signing all those Nancy's and find a QB who's not a paper doll and tough enough to play all 16 games of the regular season.

What free agent QB or potential rookie meets this requirement? None of them in my opinion. This is an awful QB year so the Texans hands were pretty much tied.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

So watt wilfork and clowney eh, not bad

 

[FF Ninja]

Now that Greg Jennings is available, I'd welcome him with open arms, too. Forgot to mention Hakeem Nicks earlier. Any of these guys could immediately start for us.

 

[GregR]

I was driving to the office today and thinking signing for reasonable amounts Wilfork and any receiver who would slot ahead of Damaris Johnson would make me happy going into the draft. I was thinking Shorts more because of affordability than anything. So I'm fairly pleased with the signings. Still need a WR but hopefully less reason to reach for one now.

 

[GregR]

Wow, was looking at the details of the contracts of Watt and Suh. JJ's is a much more team friendly contract as far as cap figures. JJ had 2 years and added 6 years, Suh is a new 6 year deal, so I just listed cap hits by year and the difference.

Year Watt Suh Difference
2014 4.6
2015 22.0 6.1 -15.9
2016 12.5 28.6 16.1
2017 12.5 15.1 2.6
2018 13.0 22.1 9.1
2019 13 24.1 11.1
2020 15 18.4 3.4
2021 17.5

Watt they structured a ton of his money into 2015, which probably will be a good idea since this isn't a year they are likely to contend with no real confidence there's an answer at QB. Suh also has a lot of money in his 2nd year, but he has some huge cap hits after that as well. After 2015, every one of JJ's cap hits is lower than Suh's, and for 3 of the 5 seasons Watt's cap number is at least $9m lower than Suh's.

Years turns out to be 8 years $110m for JJ and the 6 years, $114m for Suh. That's what happens when you have the extra leverage of the player still having years left on his contract, and other teams not being able to bid against you yet.

 

[dhockster]

To those complaining about getting both Hoyer and Mallett:

Recent Texans history says you can never have enough QBs ready to play:

2011 - Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart, TJ Yates and even Jake Delhomme all saw action in the regular season.

2013 - Matt Schaub, TJ Yates and Case Keenum all played.

2014 - Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mallett, and Tom Savage all got injured. They had to bring Case Keenum back from a deer stand.

Needless to say, signing Hoyer can't hurt.

Well, what they need to do is stop signing all those Nancy's and find a QB who's not a paper doll and tough enough to play all 16 games of the regular season.

What free agent QB or potential rookie meets this requirement? None of them in my opinion. This is an awful QB year so the Texans hands were pretty much tied.

I was just trying to be funny and wasn't criticizing the Texans. I think they did as well as they could this off season and I think Mallett has a good chance to develop into a good QB. I just looked at the list of QB's and with what Schaub has become, that is just a whole bunch of garbage at QB.

 

[cstu]

Now that Greg Jennings is available, I'd welcome him with open arms, too. Forgot to mention Hakeem Nicks earlier. Any of these guys could immediately start for us.

But not AJ.

 

[Buckna]

Watt restructured his roster bonus of $10M to a signing bonus, spreads out the hit over 5 years and gains the Texans $8M more in cap space for 2015.

Which was needed to get us under considering Mallet, Hoyer, Jackson, Newton, Shorts, Wifork, & Moore soaked up nearly $30M and all our available cap space. Next year you have JJo and a lot of dead money going away though so cap space shouldnt be an issue.

 

[GregR]

Texans received 3 compensatory picks in this year's draft, for having lost Antonio Smith, Earl Mitchell, and Ben Tate last year to free agency, without signing anyone who offset them.

Houston Texans: 5th round (175), 6th round (211), 6th round (216).

Post #3 updated with all draft picks now:

2015 Draft Picks

Pick Overall
1.16 16
2.19 51
3.18 82
4.17 116
5.16 162

5.39 175 (compensatory)
6.19 195

6.36 212 (compensatory)

6.40 216 (compensatory)

7.18 235

 

[jsharlan]

Honestly, as complete disarray as the entire linebacker group is, I think they need to address that with 2 of the first 3 picks. With Hopkins and Shorts, we don't really need a first round investment at WR. Its a deep class, we could get a future WR2 in the third round. Cushing is another leg injury waiting to happen, theres a street talent guy next to him, an inconsistent disappointing Merc on one side, and another street talent on the other side. Linebacker needs alot of work. Clowney is no sure thing to be ready this year, and is looking like another brittle guy. I think they should go Pass rusher, ILB, WR, in that order. With question marks at QB, and no draftable options, we need a strong defense to keep us competitive while we wait for a good QB to come to us.

 

[dhockster]

Honestly, as complete disarray as the entire linebacker group is, I think they need to address that with 2 of the first 3 picks. With Hopkins and Shorts, we don't really need a first round investment at WR. Its a deep class, we could get a future WR2 in the third round. Cushing is another leg injury waiting to happen, theres a street talent guy next to him, an inconsistent disappointing Merc on one side, and another street talent on the other side. Linebacker needs alot of work. Clowney is no sure thing to be ready this year, and is looking like another brittle guy. I think they should go Pass rusher, ILB, WR, in that order. With question marks at QB, and no draftable options, we need a strong defense to keep us competitive while we wait for a good QB to come to us.

I agree with this. Build the defense while you have JJ Watt in his prime. The weakest part of the defense right now is LB. Get some young studs running all over the field to play LB.

 

[Shutout]

Honestly, as complete disarray as the entire linebacker group is, I think they need to address that with 2 of the first 3 picks. With Hopkins and Shorts, we don't really need a first round investment at WR. Its a deep class, we could get a future WR2 in the third round. Cushing is another leg injury waiting to happen, theres a street talent guy next to him, an inconsistent disappointing Merc on one side, and another street talent on the other side. Linebacker needs alot of work. Clowney is no sure thing to be ready this year, and is looking like another brittle guy. I think they should go Pass rusher, ILB, WR, in that order. With question marks at QB, and no draftable options, we need a strong defense to keep us competitive while we wait for a good QB to come to us.

I agree with this. Build the defense while you have JJ Watt in his prime. The weakest part of the defense right now is LB. Get some young studs running all over the field to play LB.

Agree with everything except for : I'm not sure we have seen JJ Watt in his prime yet. He does a lot of what he does on talent. If he becomes a master of technique, he's in another level, as absurd as that sounds.

 

[Shutout]

It would be a HUGE risk, but if the Texans could somehow pull away (very cheaply) a guy like Daryll Washington or Takeo Spikes and then draft some LBers, I think they could be in a great position on defense and with the cap.

 

[GregR]

Texans sign Nate Washington. Haven't heard any contract details yet.

The Houston Texans added some more help at the receiver position today by agreeing to a deal with wide out Nate Washington. The former Tennessee Titan adds some depth and veteran leadership to a position of need for the team.

Last season in Tennessee the 31 year-old caught 40 passes for 647 yards and two touchdowns. His best season was 2011 when he racked up 74 catches for 1,023 yards and seven scores.

Signed out of Tiffin college as an undrafted free agent in 2005 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington has had a solid career. However, being on the wrong side of 30 and not having experience as a special teamer may not necessarily guarantee a roster spot for the receiver, especially if Houston drafts a player at the same position early in the upcoming draft.

The real value in a solid veteran like Washington is how it gives the team flexibility and options, allowing them to select the best player available, rather than reaching for a receiver out of necessity.

 

[GregR]

20 reed ‏@TwentyER 1h1 hour ago
Just made it official! Thank u guys for all the support! #reeeeedtired

310 retweets 227 favorites

Nick Scurfield ‏@NickScurfield 2m2 minutes ago
Future #Texans Ring of Honor member for sure “@TwentyER: Just made it official! Thank u for all the support! #reeeeedtired”

0 retweets 2 favorites

 

[FF Ninja]

Texans sign Nate Washington. Haven't heard any contract details yet.

The Houston Texans added some more help at the receiver position today by agreeing to a deal with wide out Nate Washington. The former Tennessee Titan adds some depth and veteran leadership to a position of need for the team.

Last season in Tennessee the 31 year-old caught 40 passes for 647 yards and two touchdowns. His best season was 2011 when he racked up 74 catches for 1,023 yards and seven scores.

Signed out of Tiffin college as an undrafted free agent in 2005 by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Washington has had a solid career. However, being on the wrong side of 30 and not having experience as a special teamer may not necessarily guarantee a roster spot for the receiver, especially if Houston drafts a player at the same position early in the upcoming draft.

The real value in a solid veteran like Washington is how it gives the team flexibility and options, allowing them to select the best player available, rather than reaching for a receiver out of necessity.

I didn't hear the contract details, but heard the guys on the radio saying it was very team friendly, so I'm going to assume this was a cheap contract. If that's true, I like the signing. Washington is a solid veteran and likely still has something left in the tank. And we'll need him with Shorts likely dropping passes and getting hurt. Gives us the flexibility to bring along a rookie slowly or wait until next year if circumstances dictate that we'd have to reach for one this year. We need BPA at this point.

 

[GregR]

Nate Washington, 1 year, $1m with $30k guaranteed.

Texans reportedly had $10.5m in cap room before the signing, so $9.5m left some of which will be needed for rookies.

 

[GregR]

Offseason Info

Texans 2015 Free Agents

(years/total salary/guaranteed salary)

Player Pos Age 2014 Cap Status

Kareem Jackson CB 26 $4,335,000 UFA - re-signed 4yr/$34m w/$20m

Brooks Reed OLB 27 $1,496,015 UFA - signed with Falcons

Derek Newton RT 27 $1,446,064 UFA - re-signed 5yr/$26.5m w/$10m

Tim Jamison DE 28 $840,000 UFA

Ryan Mallett QB 26 $776,976 UFA - re-signed 2 yr/$7m/$1.75m

Akeem Dent ILB 27 $725,000 UFA - re-signed 2 yr/$4.5m/$2m

Jeff Tarpinian OLB 27 $645,000 RFA - re-signed, no details yet

Jerrell Powe DT 27 $645,000 UFA

Kendrick Lewis S 28 $635,000 UFA - signed with Ravens

Cody White C 26 $570,000 RFA

Danieal Manning S 32 $570,000 UFA

Damaris Johnson WR 25 $570,000 RFA - re-signed 1yr/$1m

Eddie Pleasant S 26 $495,000 ERFA

Ryan Pickett DT 35 $469,412 UFA

John Simon OLB 24 $349,411 ERFA

Case Keenum QB 26 $58,235 UFA

Mario Louis WR 26 - RFA

Free agents signed from other teams (not all count against compensatory picks)

Bryan Hoyer QB - 2 yr / $10.5m / $4.75m

Rahim Moore FS - 3 yr / $12m

Vince Wilfork DT - 2 yr / $9m / $5m

Cecil Shorts WR - 2 yr / $6m / $2.5m

Nate Washington WR - 1 yr / $1m / $30k

2015 Draft Picks

Pick Overall

1.16 16

2.19 51

3.18 82

4.17 116

5.16 162

5.39 175 (compensatory)

6.19 195

6.36 212 (compensatory)

6.40 216 (compensatory)

7.18 235

Caught up on the signings and draft picks.

 

[GregR]

HOUSTON -- The NFL announced its schedule of offseason workouts and programs.

Last year, with a new head coach, the Texans were allowed to have an extra minicamp in April. This year, they return to the regular schedule of 10 organized team activities, one mandatory minicamp for the whole team and a rookie minicamp in which drafted rookies, undrafted free agents and tryout players can spend three days with the Texans.

The Texans' schedule:

• Start of the offseason program: April 20
  
• OTAs: May 27-29, June 2-4, June 9-12
  
• Mandatory minicamp: June 16-18
  

The dates of the Texans rookie minicamp haven't yet been officially announced, but it will happen following the draft.

 

[pghrob]

What do Texans insiders know regarding any long term plans the team might have for devvy prospect Tom Savage? Is he still just an about to turn 25 year old prospect?

 

[GregR]

I don't know that any of us qualify as insiders as opposed to just people who follow the team. But he's probably still your basic late round draft pick who has a slim chance as making it as a starter and will likely be 3rd on the depth chart going into camp. There haven't been signs of the next Tom Brady from him, but there's not a lot written in his book yet.

 

[GregR]

Charlie Casserly on NFL Network talking about the art of drafting good players late, and showed a list of players he drafted late that were big contributors.

Want to guess how many of them were from his days as Texans GM? I'll give you 0 guesses.

 

[Raider Nation]

I can't figure out why there is a picture of a Teletubby in the title.

 

[GregR]

I can't figure out why there is a picture of a Teletubby in the title.

Learn your zodiac symbols son.

I was just pleasantly surprised to find a bull symbol in the Ascii character set.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

Charlie Casserly on NFL Network talking about the art of drafting good players late, and showed a list of players he drafted late that were big contributors.

Want to guess how many of them were from his days as Texans GM? I'll give you 0 guesses.

That's all I need is zero guesses. Be nice if he pointed out that was why he was a failure here. Some great moves like blowing a 2nd round compensatory pick on Tony Hollings, shipping a 2nd and 3rd for Philip Buchanan, and trading a 2, 3, and 4 to a division rival for Jason Babin, who was a poor scheme fit and project.

Guy was a joke as a GM and I hate listening to anything he says.

 

[coolnerd]

Charlie Casserly on NFL Network talking about the art of drafting good players late, and showed a list of players he drafted late that were big contributors.

Want to guess how many of them were from his days as Texans GM? I'll give you 0 guesses.

That's all I need is zero guesses. Be nice if he pointed out that was why he was a failure here. Some great moves like blowing a 2nd round compensatory pick on Tony Hollings, shipping a 2nd and 3rd for Philip Buchanan, and trading a 2, 3, and 4 to a division rival for Jason Babin, who was a poor scheme fit and project.

Guy was a joke as a GM and I hate listening to anything he says.

This directly goes to his biggest weakness. He chronically undervalued rounds 2-4. Casserly had conducted some study that claimed that less than 50 percent of players drafted in those rounds ended up as multi year starters.