Houston Texans forever - Metchie fetches TE H. Bryant and pick swap from Philly (8 Viewers)

[rockaction]

Count this guy that rosters Nico Collins in fantasy among those who are a bit surprised by the Tunsil deal. I hope that Houston rebuilds its line for both Stroud and Collins's sake. CJ was dynamite as a rookie; don't ruin him by getting him killed back there.

I say that as a Jets fan who saw what happened to Geno, Darnold, and Zach Wilson with the Jets' abominable lines. They looked awful back there when they weren't getting the protection they needed. They also "s[aw] ghosts" and other such treasures as that when they would go back to pass.

Draft should be OL, OL, WR, OL for you all or some version of that ratio and position. Your defense is fine.

 

[Major]

Texans To Trade LT Laremy Tunsil To Commanders

Laremy Tunsil is now part of a second blockbuster trade. He is heading from Houston to Washington

www.profootballrumors.com

Courtesy of The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, here are the full trade terms:

Commanders receive:​

• Tunsil
• 2025 fourth-round pick

Texans receive:​

• 2025 third-round pick
• 2025 seventh-rounder
• 2026 second
• 2026 fourth

Wow, didn't expect that. Definitely an odd trade considering he is the anchor and only real talent on our god awful OL. Not surprised they didn't recoup nearly the same amount as Bob dished out but thought we'd at least get a 1st.

The value combination of a mid 2 and a mid 3 on the value chart is roughly equivalent to a mid 1. Given his age, contract, and penalties, it is pretty good comp in return.

I feel like this a deal we had to make the more I thought about it. Wouldn't want to bag too much on the Commanders fans, but all the news afterwards yesterday was Tunsil as a captain and a figure in the OL room was one of laziness and lack of effort. Sounds like Ryans was ready to rid himself of that mentality in that room and send a message to the team. We know he was an individual talent when he was locked in, it's that he wasn't locked in ever enough and especially not for $20M+ per year with CJ, WAJ, and Stingley contracts coming.\

Send a message to that whole room that they need to get their stuff together or they need to get out. They just exorcised the anchor of a terrible line to send a message to the remaining and incoming OL.

Yep. The more I thought about it, the more I realized it was something we must do. He was inevitably going to either walk or demand a big contract which we couldn't afford. He's also not the type of player that makes those around him better. Just look at our OL's performance. He always struck me as a gifted athlete who really just cares about himself. Not the type of player you want to be shelling out franchise type money to (or two high 1s and a 2nd) . And then all the laziness and lack of detail with the false starts. I don't think he really cared enough about winning and guys like that are a cancer to a young team.

I still think we could get a 1st plus a few 3s for an All Pro still in his 20s but my PTSD from the BOB years and giving away Duane Brown, Hopkins, etc makes me grateful we got ahead of this and extracted some value. Now lets just hope Caserio brings in someone who can properly evaluate OL talent because we've been terrible in that department. It's really a shame we wasted CJ's rookie QB contract window on wasteful OL contracts

 

[GregR]

Texans To Trade LT Laremy Tunsil To Commanders

Laremy Tunsil is now part of a second blockbuster trade. He is heading from Houston to Washington

www.profootballrumors.com

Courtesy of The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, here are the full trade terms:

Commanders receive:​

• Tunsil
• 2025 fourth-round pick

Texans receive:​

• 2025 third-round pick
• 2025 seventh-rounder
• 2026 second
• 2026 fourth

Wow, didn't expect that. Definitely an odd trade considering he is the anchor and only real talent on our god awful OL. Not surprised they didn't recoup nearly the same amount as Bob dished out but thought we'd at least get a 1st.

The value combination of a mid 2 and a mid 3 on the value chart is roughly equivalent to a mid 1. Given his age, contract, and penalties, it is pretty good comp in return.

I feel like this a deal we had to make the more I thought about it. Wouldn't want to bag too much on the Commanders fans, but all the news afterwards yesterday was Tunsil as a captain and a figure in the OL room was one of laziness and lack of effort. Sounds like Ryans was ready to rid himself of that mentality in that room and send a message to the team. We know he was an individual talent when he was locked in, it's that he wasn't locked in ever enough and especially not for $20M+ per year with CJ, WAJ, and Stingley contracts coming.\

Send a message to that whole room that they need to get their stuff together or they need to get out. They just exorcised the anchor of a terrible line to send a message to the remaining and incoming OL.

Yes, my thoughts are much in line with that too.

I was intending to make a post earlier commenting how they didn't restructure Tunsil or Tytus Howard though both had a lot of money that could have been moved. Which to me was probably a sign that they weren't sure they wanted to commit to those players in the long term. This trade beat me to the punch though.

I've seen the trade grades for the Texans on it coming in around a B to a C-, though mostly focusing on "why trade your best lineman when you need line help" rather than the actual compensation received. I agree Houston thought Tunsil wasn't something to build around going forward, and trading him now was going to garner you a lot more than waiting another year, and the trade partner has to immediately deal with an extension, etc.

On that note, Tunsil garnered essentially a 2nd, 3rd and 7th. Trent Williams was traded in the last year of his contract for a 3rd and 5th. So essentially the difference between a 2nd and a 5th if you wait a year, assuming those are both reasonable market value trades.

It could come back to bite Houston in the short term. I have some faith they both thought this was the better long term move, and have some specific contingency plans in mind to have made the move. One thing Clint Stoener floated on the radio, is you take that money freed up and go get one of the top guards out there. Help secure the interior line, and if you need you can use scheme to support a tackle with TE or RB chips, etc, in ways you really can't do with the interior.

Ok you can do that if your OC isn't Bobby Slowik who puts Dalton Schultz 1-on-1 against top DEs.

 

[GregR]

(How weird it is to say I have faith in Houston's front office.)

 

[rockaction]

Now they've traded Kenyon Green to the Eagles for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a pick swap. Eagles get a fifth, Texans get a sixth.

Sources: Texans acquire Eagles' Gardner-Johnson

The Texans are acquiring safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles in exchange for 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green, sources told ESPN. The two teams will also swap a pair of draft picks in the deal.

www.espn.com

 

[Buckna]

FWIW - Tunsil turns 31 in August and I’m sure he would have wanted a top market contract again next year when turning 32. We were going to have to bite the bullet and move on at some point with other big extensions on the horizon. Didn’t expect them to do it now though without a succession plan in place already.

Hopefully they have identified how they are going to address the holes in the line. I think they probably preferred multiple middle rounders vs a late 1st because it gives them flexibility to address multiple spots in the draft or via trade (and they’ve actually hit on some good players in the mid rounds these last few years.) And I agree, lets get a guard in FA and then draft another plus a tackle. Have Blake and a new guy fight it out for the two tackle spots and if they both look good, either move Howard to guard permanently or cut/trade him next year and save a bunch of $.

 

[Buckna]

Now they've traded Kenyon Green to the Eagles for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a pick swap. Eagles get a fifth, Texans get a sixth.

Sources: Texans acquire Eagles' Gardner-Johnson

The Texans are acquiring safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles in exchange for 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green, sources told ESPN. The two teams will also swap a pair of draft picks in the deal.

www.espn.com

Wow, that is huge. Green was horrible and that's a major upgrade at Safety for us over Eric Murray. I know CG-J is a bit of swagger headcase (should fit in well with Azeez for roughing penalties) but should really help the back half of the defense. On the surface, a big kudos to Caserio on this one

Edit: buried in there is we also signed G Laken Tomlinson which is a pretty solid move. He's older but should fill one hole at Guard for us this year.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Now they've traded Kenyon Green to the Eagles for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a pick swap. Eagles get a fifth, Texans get a sixth.

Sources: Texans acquire Eagles' Gardner-Johnson

The Texans are acquiring safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles in exchange for 2022 first-round pick Kenyon Green, sources told ESPN. The two teams will also swap a pair of draft picks in the deal.

www.espn.com

Wow, that is huge. Green was horrible and that's a major upgrade at Safety for us over Eric Murray. I know CG-J is a bit of swagger headcase (should fit in well with Azeez for roughing penalties) but should really help the back half of the defense. On the surface, a big kudos to Caserio on this one

Not happy about the CJGJ trade.

 

[rockaction]

Signed Laken Tomlinson (Left Guard) to a deal.

https://x.com/Djbienaime
DJ Bien-Aime
@Djbienaime

Can confirmed (sic) Texans signed LG Laken Tomlinson. Laken Tomlinson is as durable as they come. He’s played seven seasons in a row without missing a game. He’ll be competing for the starter role. He allowed the sixth highest pressure rate among left guards (9.1%) with at least 300 pass blocking snaps and 11 sacks (the most) according to Next Gen Stats.

 

[Terpman22]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

 

[Buckna]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

Green was a huge bust for us. He was the worst guard in the league in the first half of the season before he got benched again. I'd put some of the o'line's woes on our poor o'line coaching definitely, can only hope our new o'line coach is better. Hated the Chris Strausser hiring as he was terrible and ran a good line into the ground in Indy so no idea why they brought him over to our team 2 years ago. They promoted another guy who was supposedly better but we'll see if it's any improvement.

 

[Terpman22]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

Green was a huge bust for us. He was the worst guard in the league in the first half of the season before he got benched again. I'd put some of the o'line's woes on our poor o'line coaching definitely, can only hope our new o'line coach is better. Hated the Chris Strausser hiring as he was terrible and ran a good line into the ground in Indy so no idea why they brought him over to our team 2 years ago. They promoted another guy who was supposedly better but we'll see if it's any improvement.

Oh ok, this makes me feel much much better. Thanks!

Have fun with CJ! He is a lightning rod, but he gives it his all!

 

[Major]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

Green was a huge bust for us. He was the worst guard in the league in the first half of the season before he got benched again. I'd put some of the o'line's woes on our poor o'line coaching definitely, can only hope our new o'line coach is better. Hated the Chris Strausser hiring as he was terrible and ran a good line into the ground in Indy so no idea why they brought him over to our team 2 years ago. They promoted another guy who was supposedly better but we'll see if it's any improvement.

Oh ok, this makes me feel much much better. Thanks!

Have fun with CJ! He is a lightning rod, but he gives it his all!

He was awful here, one of the worst lineman I've seen in sometime but with Stoutland coaching, you'll probably turn him into an All-Pro

 

[Buckna]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

Green was a huge bust for us. He was the worst guard in the league in the first half of the season before he got benched again. I'd put some of the o'line's woes on our poor o'line coaching definitely, can only hope our new o'line coach is better. Hated the Chris Strausser hiring as he was terrible and ran a good line into the ground in Indy so no idea why they brought him over to our team 2 years ago. They promoted another guy who was supposedly better but we'll see if it's any improvement.

Oh ok, this makes me feel much much better. Thanks!

Have fun with CJ! He is a lightning rod, but he gives it his all!

He was awful here, one of the worst lineman I've seen in sometime but with Stoutland coaching, you'll probably turn him into an All-Pro

Wouldn’t be the first time Philly grabbed a lineman from us and turned him into a stud. I’m still bitter over BOB running off Brandon Brooks a decade ago

 

[Terpman22]

Question - is the Texans OL coach good/heard of/team have faith in him? Why trading all the OL when Stroud was getting killed last year?

Green was drafted 15th and has some pretty bad PFF grades last year.

Green was a huge bust for us. He was the worst guard in the league in the first half of the season before he got benched again. I'd put some of the o'line's woes on our poor o'line coaching definitely, can only hope our new o'line coach is better. Hated the Chris Strausser hiring as he was terrible and ran a good line into the ground in Indy so no idea why they brought him over to our team 2 years ago. They promoted another guy who was supposedly better but we'll see if it's any improvement.

Oh ok, this makes me feel much much better. Thanks!

Have fun with CJ! He is a lightning rod, but he gives it his all!

He was awful here, one of the worst lineman I've seen in sometime but with Stoutland coaching, you'll probably turn him into an All-Pro

Wouldn’t be the first time Philly grabbed a lineman from us and turned him into a stud. I’m still bitter over BOB running off Brandon Brooks a decade ago

Brooks and Lane were such a LETHAL combo. You don't find OGs that big that move the way Brooks did.

We shall see, but haha, we are all still in shock/upset/mad/curious, going through the 5 stages etc

 

[Jayded]

NC to OL - GTFO

 

[GregR]

More signings. ESPN's blurbs.

Mario Edwards Jr., DT
Edwards is returning to the Texans on a two-year, $9.5 million deal.

What it means: Edwards is an effective run stopper, as he was tied for third in run stuffs (six) per Next Gen Stats, and provides good rotational depth at defensive tackle.

What's the risk: This move is only risky if Edwards isn't impactful in his rotational reps. He's a key piece to their rotation, so he'll be expected to live up to that standard.


Darrell Taylor, DE
The Texans have agreed to terms with the former Chicago Bears defensive end on a one-year deal worth $5 million.

What it means: Taylor has flashed the ability to sack quarterbacks after having 9.5 in his second year. He hasn't reached over 6 since, but he's only heading into Year 5. So the Texans add more capable depth.

What's the risk: The risk is pretty low because he's a rotational piece. So as long as he shows he can produce in limited snaps, that's a plus.


Derek Barnett, DE
Barnett returns to the Texans on a one-year, $5 million contract.

What it means: Barnett provides effective depth at the defensive end position for the Texans after he totaled five sacks last season. He also led Houston's defense in scoring touchdowns as he returned two fumbles for touchdowns.

What's the risk: The risk isn't high because he's a backup. As long as defensive end Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson are healthy, the Texans are in good shape. Having Barnett rotate in is a plus.


M.J. Stewart, S
The Texans are bringing back Stewart on a one-year deal.

What it means: Stewart is a backup safety with special teams value. He played 83% of the Texans' special teams snaps last season.

What's the risk: There's no risk with Stewart. He contributes on special teams and also adds depth. He isn't expected to have much of a role beyond that.


Laken Tomlinson, OG
The Texans are bringing in Tomlinson on a one-year deal worth $4 million.

What it means: Tomlinson is as durable as they come. He's played seven seasons in a row without missing a game. He'll be competing for the starter role with the Texans just trading former starter Kenyon Green.

What's the risk: Tomlinson hasn't played up to the level of his 2021 Pro Bowl level the last three seasons. Last season, he allowed the sixth-highest pressure rate among left guards (9.1%) and allowed 11 sacks, according to Next Gen Stats.


Tremon Smith, CB
Smith joins Houston on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million.

What it means: Smith's value is on special teams. He played 85% and 82% of the Broncos' special team snaps in the last two seasons, respectively.

What's the risk: There isn't much of a risk since he plays on special teams and can provide a bit of depth at cornerback.


Justin Watson, WR
The former Kansas City Chiefs receiver comes to Houston on a one-year deal.

What it means: The Texans add more receiver depth with Watson. He has 1,322 receiving yards in six seasons with nine touchdowns.

What's the risk: If Watson thrusted into a starting role, then that could be an issue, but as a depth signing, there's not much risk.

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans and free agent linebacker Nick Niemann agreed to a two-year contract on Tuesday.

Niemann becomes the second linebacker signing and the first new addition at the position this offseason. Houston re-signed Jake Hansen on Monday, rejoining a group headed by Azeez Al-Shaair, Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o. Neville Hewitt, Del’Shawn Phillips and Devin White completed that core in 2024 but remain free agents.

 

[GregR]

Chronicle article on some remaining options at guard

 

[GregR]

Vikings friend to me just now: "Vikings trading G Ed Ingram to Texans. He isn't good."


Multiple reporters note the Vikings will receive a 2026 sixth-round pick in exchange for Ingram.

A second-round pick in 2022, Ingram started 32 games in his first two seasons, including all 17 as a rookie. But he was moved off the starting lineup midway through the 2024 season.

In all, Ingram has appeared in 41 games with nine starts. He was on the field for 55 percent of offensive snaps and 20 percent of special teams snaps in games played last year.

 

[Texanchris]

I still think the Texans need to draft a guard early despite the two acquisitions at guard in free agency. I guess left tackle takes priority now with the Tunsil trade though. I don’t trust Tytus Howard or Blake Fisher yet to block CJ’s blindside

 

[Major]

I still think the Texans need to draft a guard early despite the two acquisitions at guard in free agency. I guess left tackle takes priority now with the Tunsil trade though. I don’t trust Tytus Howard or Blake Fisher yet to block CJ’s blindside

I think they'll address their OL and WR issues in rounds 1-3

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Maybe the best thread title I’ve seen yet

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans' longest-tenured player, long snapper Jon Weeks, signed a one-year contract with San Francisco 49ers, the team announced.

Weeks, 39, had been with the Texans since 2010, when coach DeMeco Ryans was still a player. He was hoping to return, a source said.

But the Texans wanted to go younger.

They signed long snapper Tucker Addington to a future/reserves deal last month, meaning he’ll compete for a spot in training camp. Addington was most recently on the Miami Dolphins' roster before finishing the season on the Jaguars' practice squad. He’s also 27.

During his 15 years as a Texan, Weeks, a former undrafted player and former volunteer fire fighter, made the Pro Bowl in 2015 and was also nominated for Walter Payton Man of the Year for his work in the community.

 

[Jayded]

Wanted to go younger at long snapper? That is the most Texans thing I’ve heard all week.

 

[GregR]

Cooper Kupp to the Seahawks.

 

[fatness]

Maybe the best thread title I’ve seen yet

I hope he works out great for us in Washington but yeah, that's a great thread title.

 

[GregR]

Houston Texans' Derek Stingley Jr., becomes highest-paid cornerback in NFL with new deal through 2029​

The Houston Texans and David Mulugheta, the agent representing Derek Stingley Jr., have agreed on a contract extension that will make the 23-year-old cornerback one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL, two sources with knowledge of the deal told the Houston Chronicle.

The extension is for three years and a total of $90 million, with $89 million in guaranteed money, one of the sources said.

Because Stingley's rookie contract doesn't expire until after next season, the new deal is expected to keep in Houston through the 2029 season, as the Texans are expected to add another year on the same price as his fifth-year option, which is $17.6 million.

So, Stingley will make $11 million on the final year of his rookie deal next season, $17.6 million in 2026, and an average of $30 million between 2027-29.

Last week, cornerback Jaycee Horn, who is also represented by Mulugheta, signed a four-year, $100 million contract extension with Carolina Panthers. At $25 million per year, Horn was the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL for a week.

Stingley's extension, at $30 million per year, obliterates that and the previous record deals for cornerbacks. It resets the market for cornerbacks, which had been down compared to their wide receiver counterparts, who already have seven players who make $30 million or more annually.

 

[GregR]

Had a bad copy-paste above which is fixed now with new details.

So think I'd point out here, the new contract value is a jump for cornerbacks. But he's got 2 years before that kicks in. In other words, by the time he's actually making that new money, the salary cap will have gone up twice and good chance he won't be the highest paid in any actual years of the contract.

 

[Jayded]

Had a bad copy-paste above which is fixed now with new details.

So think I'd point out here, the new contract value is a jump for cornerbacks. But he's got 2 years before that kicks in. In other words, by the time he's actually making that new money, the salary cap will have gone up twice and good chance he won't be the highest paid in any actual years of the contract.

Yup and that is key. It's the exact opposite of what we've seen teams like Dallas and Cincinnati do lately in waiting until it was in the year they needed to take the hit to go ahead and do so. Seeing CJ's number and WAJ's number will hurt soon too, but if we're smart and can get ahead like this, it'll likely be a bargain by the time we're in-year of when we'd have been really up against it otherwise.

 

[Major]

Had a bad copy-paste above which is fixed now with new details.

So think I'd point out here, the new contract value is a jump for cornerbacks. But he's got 2 years before that kicks in. In other words, by the time he's actually making that new money, the salary cap will have gone up twice and good chance he won't be the highest paid in any actual years of the contract.

Yup and that is key. It's the exact opposite of what we've seen teams like Dallas and Cincinnati do lately in waiting until it was in the year they needed to take the hit to go ahead and do so. Seeing CJ's number and WAJ's number will hurt soon too, but if we're smart and can get ahead like this, it'll likely be a bargain by the time we're in-year of when we'd have been really up against it otherwise.

I'm a little torn. With his history of major injuries I'd like to see another full year from Sting before making him the highest paid corner. You may have to pay a little more but I don't understand the rush to lock him down so soon.

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans and free agent fullback Jakob Johnson agreed to a one-year contract on Monday.

The basics
Age: 30
Height/weight: 6-3, 255
NFL experience: Six seasons (New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants)
College: Tennessee

Johnson has just 19 career touches in the NFL, posting 105 receiving yards and one touchdown over his six seasons. But the fullback will be called upon more to pave a way for running back Joe Mixon and be a contributor on special teams rather than be a pass catching threat.

Over half of Johnson’s 1,253 career NFL snaps have come on special teams across his three stops. His prowess in the third phase has given the fullback opportunities to play despite the dwindling number of teams that still employ his position. Johnson has 11 career combined tackles and two kickoff returns as a special teamer.

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans and free agent cornerback Ronald Darby have agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

The basics
Age: 31
Height/weight: 5-11, 193
NFL experience: 10 seasons (Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, Jacksonville Jaguars)
College: Florida State

Necessary depth
Houston boasts one of the best young cornerback duos in the NFL in a 23-year-old Stingley and 22-year-old Kamari Lassiter, who earned defensive rookie of the year votes last season and was tied for the most interceptions among rookies at the position with three. But if one of them goes down, the Texans need a backup plan. It seems one option could be Darby.

The 10-year veteran started 12 games for the Jaguars last year and posted nine passes defensed, both his most since 2020. Though that increased playing time didn’t come without trouble. Darby allowed a 128.1 passer rating and five touchdowns per the NFL’s Next Gen Stats, tied for 14th-most in the NFL.

While Darby struggled in spots last year, he has been solid in the league for a decade. The corner burst onto the scene in Buffalo with two interceptions and 21 passes defensed in 2015, placing him second in defensive rookie of the year voting. His ball skills followed him throughout his six stops as his 106 career passes defended are fifth-most in the NFL since entering the league.

 

[GregR]

Former Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil said he spoke with general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans about why he was traded to the Washington Commanders last week, and came away with the impression that it was not personal.

After speaking with both men, he said he harbored no bad feelings.

“Pretty much they are just trying to keep the young guys together. It’s as simple as that,” Tunsil told local media in D.C. Monday, when asked the explanation he received from Texans' staff. “When I was a rookie (my older teammates) would tell me it’s a young man’s game and I seen it for myself.”

“They drafted some young guys and hit on every draft pick. So I fully understand it.”

 

[GregR]

Free-agent offensive tackle Cam Robinson is signing a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, sources tell ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The deal can max out at $14.5M next season, a source tells ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Robinson, 29, spent the first 7 1/2 years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars before the Minnesota Vikings acquired him last season in Week 9 as a temporary replacement for injured left tackle Christian Darrisaw.

He made his first start for the Vikings five days after the trade and made a total of 11 starts, including the postseason. The Vikings won nine consecutive games over that period before losses to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card playoff round.

Robinson helped fill a void on an offensive line that didn't have an obvious alternative on the roster, but the drop-off from Darrisaw was noticeable. Robinson ranked 25th in pass block win rate and 45th in run block win rate among tackles after the trade.

 

[GregR]

Texans complete restructure with OT Tytus Howard, free up over $11 million in cap space

According to reports, the Texans have restructured veteran offensive tackle Tytus Howard’s $56 million contract for a second time, lowering his base salary to $1.17 million while converting his $14.3 million salary into a signing bonus for the 2025 season.

Howard, who inked a three-year extension in 2023, still has one year left on the contract after this season. With the restructured contract, the Texans will add $11.64 million back into the salary cap for the 2025 season.

 

[GregR]

Texans 2025 draft picks at present:
1.25
2.26
3.15
3.25
5.30
7.20
7.25

 

[Jayded]

Had a bad copy-paste above which is fixed now with new details.

So think I'd point out here, the new contract value is a jump for cornerbacks. But he's got 2 years before that kicks in. In other words, by the time he's actually making that new money, the salary cap will have gone up twice and good chance he won't be the highest paid in any actual years of the contract.

Yup and that is key. It's the exact opposite of what we've seen teams like Dallas and Cincinnati do lately in waiting until it was in the year they needed to take the hit to go ahead and do so. Seeing CJ's number and WAJ's number will hurt soon too, but if we're smart and can get ahead like this, it'll likely be a bargain by the time we're in-year of when we'd have been really up against it otherwise.

I'm a little torn. With his history of major injuries I'd like to see another full year from Sting before making him the highest paid corner. You may have to pay a little more but I don't understand the rush to lock him down so soon.

True, but I think the question is gamble that you're right in your eval vs. paying a lot more. Look at Cincinnati now for having waited so long on Higgins and Chase. As a result, they will likely not be able to keep Hendrickson. For us, our practical problem is we drafted two top-3 picks a few years ago, and as long as nothing crazy happens, we should expect to have to shell out a lot at the same time given their same draft year.

I'd prefer we be more the gambling types than the sit back and hope we can talk people into hometown discounts or anything like that. We haven't won a thing yet to be able to pull of some of the do-us-a-favor deals, so we might as well see if we can get $.80 on the dollar deals when we have a good feeling about a player's long term chances with the organization.

 

[Major]

Had a bad copy-paste above which is fixed now with new details.

So think I'd point out here, the new contract value is a jump for cornerbacks. But he's got 2 years before that kicks in. In other words, by the time he's actually making that new money, the salary cap will have gone up twice and good chance he won't be the highest paid in any actual years of the contract.

Yup and that is key. It's the exact opposite of what we've seen teams like Dallas and Cincinnati do lately in waiting until it was in the year they needed to take the hit to go ahead and do so. Seeing CJ's number and WAJ's number will hurt soon too, but if we're smart and can get ahead like this, it'll likely be a bargain by the time we're in-year of when we'd have been really up against it otherwise.

I'm a little torn. With his history of major injuries I'd like to see another full year from Sting before making him the highest paid corner. You may have to pay a little more but I don't understand the rush to lock him down so soon.

True, but I think the question is gamble that you're right in your eval vs. paying a lot more. Look at Cincinnati now for having waited so long on Higgins and Chase. As a result, they will likely not be able to keep Hendrickson. For us, our practical problem is we drafted two top-3 picks a few years ago, and as long as nothing crazy happens, we should expect to have to shell out a lot at the same time given their same draft year.

I'd prefer we be more the gambling types than the sit back and hope we can talk people into hometown discounts or anything like that. We haven't won a thing yet to be able to pull of some of the do-us-a-favor deals, so we might as well see if we can get $.80 on the dollar deals when we have a good feeling about a player's long term chances with the organization.

I hear that. I guess I still have a bad taste in my mouth by those unnecessary extensions he gave Mason and Howard. Nick always seems a little too eager to sign guys early for large amounts instead of being patient, playing a bit of hardball and seeing how the hand plays out. I guess I don't deem it necessary to extend a guy after one good season when he still has two years left on his contract. Lock him up next year after he proves 2024 wasn't a fluke and that he can remain healthy. Anyways, just a difference of strategy. I'm happy to have Stingley just hoping he can stay healthy

 

[GregR]

Defensive end Danielle Hunter and the Houston Texans have agreed to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday.

Last March, Hunter agreed to a two-year, $49 million deal with Houston as a free agent. The Texans have added $35.6 million to the back end of that original deal after his Pro Bowl debut with the team.

Hunter will get a $12 million raise in 2025, bumping his 2025 salary to $32 million. And in 2026, he'll earn the remainder of the extension.

Houston ranked fifth in the NFL in sacks (49) this past season and was led by Hunter, who was tied for fifth in sacks (12) while recording a pressure rate of 23.9%, second most among players with at least 200 pass-rush snaps, according to Next Gen Stats.

Because of Hunter, as well as the ability of his fellow defensive linemen to sack and pressure opposing quarterbacks, the Texans forced a lot of turnovers in 2024. Houston snagged 19 interceptions (second most in the NFL) and finished with 29 takeaways overall (fifth most).

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans and free agent offensive tackle Trent Brown have reached agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

A season-ending injury limited Brown to just three games last season with the Cincinnati Bengals.

The veteran started the first three weeks of the year at right tackle before he suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee in the team's Week 3 loss to the Washington Commanders.

Before signing with the Bengals, Brown spent three seasons with the New England Patriots. Brown, 31, is a 10-year veteran who was named to the Pro Bowl in 2019 as a member of the then-Oakland Raiders.

 

[GregR]

A different look at Cam Robinson signing.


Texans sign OT Cam Robinson
The deal: One year, $14.5 million
Grade: B+

The Texans' offensive line looked pretty shaky before offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil was traded to Washington. After Houston dealt its longtime left tackle, it was clear the team needed reinforcements somewhere -- even if the Texans believe 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher is ready to step up and take a starting role.

I've been critical of Robinson for years, but he's an experienced left tackle who gives them flexibility without breaking the bank at all. Robinson has long been a below-average pass protector -- this past season was the first in which he played at least 100 snaps and his pass block win rate was near the 89% average for tackles (he was at 88%). He has an 83% PBWR for his career. His 70% run block win rate last season ranked seventh worst among tackles but was still higher than his career average.

Houston now has three potential tackles for two spots -- Robinson, Fisher and Tytus Howard. The Texans can now afford to see how Fisher looks in the summer and use that information to decide how to proceed, quite possibly bumping one of the three to guard (Howard has plenty of experience there). Not that this offensive line is in good shape. Beyond the three tackles, the Texans are probably looking at some combination of Laken Tomlinson, Juice Scruggs, Jarrett Patterson and Ed Ingram in the interior.

But Houston is better off with Robinson than without, and the other options out there were very limited. As shaky as the win rates make Robinson out to be, he's a far better and safer option than Chiefs tackle Jaylon Moore, who is surprisingly making more money than Robinson. This is a limited commitment for Houston but one that could help bridge a gap on the offensive line. It's a move well worth making.

 

[GregR]

Sources: Stefon Diggs agrees to 3-year, $69M deal with Patriots

 

[Major]

Sources: Stefon Diggs agrees to 3-year, $69M deal with Patriots

No way we could compete with that but what a bust of a trade for us. Still irks me how little we have taken advantage of CJ's rookie contract years. Going to be an interesting few years when Nick can't pay out everyone so generously.

 

[GregR]

Sources: Stefon Diggs agrees to 3-year, $69M deal with Patriots

No way we could compete with that but what a bust of a trade for us. Still irks me how little we have taken advantage of CJ's rookie contract years. Going to be an interesting few years when Nick can't pay out everyone so generously.

Yeah I thought it was ok until they voided the extra year. Too much for one year of service, and then the injury on top of it so you don't even get that

 

[Buckna]

Sources: Stefon Diggs agrees to 3-year, $69M deal with Patriots

No way we could compete with that but what a bust of a trade for us. Still irks me how little we have taken advantage of CJ's rookie contract years. Going to be an interesting few years when Nick can't pay out everyone so generously.

Yeah I thought it was ok until they voided the extra year. Too much for one year of service, and then the injury on top of it so you don't even get that

Hated the void, especially once it came out since they did it voluntarily he also wouldn’t qualify for a comp pick. 2nd for a half year rental, yuck. They’ve been making what seem like better moves though on the whole so hopefully live and learn.

 

[Major]

Sources: Stefon Diggs agrees to 3-year, $69M deal with Patriots

No way we could compete with that but what a bust of a trade for us. Still irks me how little we have taken advantage of CJ's rookie contract years. Going to be an interesting few years when Nick can't pay out everyone so generously.

Yeah I thought it was ok until they voided the extra year. Too much for one year of service, and then the injury on top of it so you don't even get that

Hated the void, especially once it came out since they did it voluntarily he also wouldn’t qualify for a comp pick. 2nd for a half year rental, yuck. They’ve been making what seem like better moves though on the whole so hopefully live and learn.

Yep. Loss of the comp pick and $16mm in dead cap will never make sense to me

 

[GregR]

J.J. Watt will be spending his Sundays in a different place this fall.

CBS announced Wednesday afternoon that the former Houston Texans star will become the analyst on the network’s No. 2 NFL broadcast team with play-by-play man Ian Eagle

 

[GregR]

The Houston Texans and linebacker E.J. Speed have reached agreement on a one-year deal worth $5 million, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.

Speed, 29, put together a productive season in his second year as a full-time starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. He finished with 142 tackles (12th in the NFL), 7 tackles for losses and 5 pass deflections. His 93 solo stops were tied for third most in the league. Speed also has six forced fumbles in his career.

Formerly a special teams ace after being selected in the fifth round out of Tarleton State in 2019, Speed grew into a key member of the Colts defense and ultimately earned playing time over injured former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard in 2023. He had made only six career starts when the Colts signed him to a two-year contract extension entering 2023.

At 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, Speed has great length, and his speed and quickness allow him to consistently be near the football. He has handled a great deal of coverage responsibility in the Colts' system.

Among the complicating factors in assessing Speed's play is his missed tackle rate. He was among the league leaders in missed tackles in 2024, which led to some big plays for opponents.

 

[Major]

The Houston Texans and linebacker E.J. Speed have reached agreement on a one-year deal worth $5 million, sources confirmed to ESPN on Saturday.

Speed, 29, put together a productive season in his second year as a full-time starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 2024. He finished with 142 tackles (12th in the NFL), 7 tackles for losses and 5 pass deflections. His 93 solo stops were tied for third most in the league. Speed also has six forced fumbles in his career.

Formerly a special teams ace after being selected in the fifth round out of Tarleton State in 2019, Speed grew into a key member of the Colts defense and ultimately earned playing time over injured former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard in 2023. He had made only six career starts when the Colts signed him to a two-year contract extension entering 2023.

At 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, Speed has great length, and his speed and quickness allow him to consistently be near the football. He has handled a great deal of coverage responsibility in the Colts' system.

Among the complicating factors in assessing Speed's play is his missed tackle rate. He was among the league leaders in missed tackles in 2024, which led to some big plays for opponents.

I don't think it's possible for Demeco to ever have enough LBs and DLs but I really wish they'd focus on the adding offensive players. I guess we'll be praying the right WRs and OL fall to us in the draft. Also hoping the stars align and we find a way to trade up for Tyler Warren