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Houston Texans forever - Titans annual loss in Oilers unis to be replaced by loss in other unis (6 Viewers)
- Thread starter GregR
- Start date
Major
Footballguy
The jury is still out. If he shows some stones this off season, fires Bobby and addresses the disaster that is the Texans offense then he has a shot at being great.
GregR
Footballguy
DeMeco Ryans won't make a quick decision on Bobby Slowik. The case for and against a change on staff
“I know there will be a lot of questions about staffing, players, all those things, I just wanted to let you know I’ll take the week to make those decisions,” Ryans said before taking questions.
Ryans’ decision on whether to part ways with certain members of his staff will be easier for some more than others.
For instance, Strausser’s days with the Texans appear to be numbered given the struggles on the offensive line had all season. Most people don’t expect Strausser to return, whether he retires or looks for another team.
As for Slowik, that decision might be a little more difficult.
Several players publicly took up for Slowik in their end of year press conferences, including Stroud and running back Joe Mixon.
Other sources the in the building, whom the Chronicle has spoken with the past few weeks, said they could both see a scenario where Ryans brings Slowik back for another year, and another in which Ryans parts ways with Slowik.
The only thing that’s clear, is that no one really knows for certain where Ryans is leaning.
“I know there will be a lot of questions about staffing, players, all those things, I just wanted to let you know I’ll take the week to make those decisions,” Ryans said before taking questions.
Ryans’ decision on whether to part ways with certain members of his staff will be easier for some more than others.
For instance, Strausser’s days with the Texans appear to be numbered given the struggles on the offensive line had all season. Most people don’t expect Strausser to return, whether he retires or looks for another team.
As for Slowik, that decision might be a little more difficult.
Several players publicly took up for Slowik in their end of year press conferences, including Stroud and running back Joe Mixon.
Other sources the in the building, whom the Chronicle has spoken with the past few weeks, said they could both see a scenario where Ryans brings Slowik back for another year, and another in which Ryans parts ways with Slowik.
The only thing that’s clear, is that no one really knows for certain where Ryans is leaning.
GregR
Footballguy
Texans have 25 free agents:
QB Case Keenum
RB Dare Ogunbowale
WR Stefon Diggs. Robert Woods
TE Irv Smith Jr
Guard Kendrick Green
Long Snapper Jon Weeks.
DT Mario Edwards. Foley Fatukasi. Kurt Hinish
DE Derek Barnett. Jerry Hughes.
LB Neville Hewitt. Devin White. Jake Hansen
CB Kris Boyd. Myles Bryant. Jeff Okudah.
Safety Eric Murray. MJ Stewart
QB Case Keenum
RB Dare Ogunbowale
WR Stefon Diggs. Robert Woods
TE Irv Smith Jr
Guard Kendrick Green
Long Snapper Jon Weeks.
DT Mario Edwards. Foley Fatukasi. Kurt Hinish
DE Derek Barnett. Jerry Hughes.
LB Neville Hewitt. Devin White. Jake Hansen
CB Kris Boyd. Myles Bryant. Jeff Okudah.
Safety Eric Murray. MJ Stewart
Got to consider cutting Shaq Mason, extension last year turned out to be a mistake as he was one of the worst guards in the league this year. Maybe a new O'line coach might see something different, but seems like an easy $9MM in savings if designated as a post-June 1st cut. Thinking they are hoping Blake Fisher turns into a long-term starter at one of the tackle spots, they could entertain leaving Howard at LG next year and Fisher at RT to learn. Could then focus on upgrading guard in FA short-term and the draft long-term.
8 other guys with base salaries at $8MM or more that could be restructured. Mixon restructure would save a small amount, save a little more converting Nico's base salary too. Extend Hunter perhaps? Tunsil has 1 more year on his contract as well, so another extension considering it will be hard to replace him with other holes? I expect they will make some sort of big move we may not be anticipating to free up-space or plug a hole. Will need to target someone inexpensive at WR, Diggs if he comes with an injury discount, maybe Keenan Allen or Marquis Brown on a prove-it deal as backup options. Then target a WR in the draft in round 1 or 2. Fill out DT, edge depth and S in the draft or in FA with cheap vet depth.
Caserio has been doing well in the middle rounds of the draft (something I never thought I would say about a Texans GM), hopefully can continue to unearth some gems at other need spots this year.
Major
Footballguy
I'm on board with anything that helps the offense. Draft the best prospects available. I've heard this is a deep RB draft so I'd love a good compliment to Mixon in the middle rounds. We need a pass catching young buck to step in and help the vet out. I don't think Pierce is that guy.
GregR
Footballguy
Yes, Caserio has outdrafted me since after the Kenyon Green pick. So I'm kind of good just sitting back and trusting them to hit on some stuff there and draft the rest accordingly.
I would love Xavier Watts alongside Bullock, but that might be a luxury pick even if it's where he might end up going.
Anyone gone back and looked at our live comments about the draft, especially Lassiter and Bullock?
GregR
Footballguy
The NFL fined Joe Mixon $25,000 for saying: “Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with Chiefs? These officials are trash and bias.”
Only, he never said that. That was a tweet by T.J. Houshmandzadeh and not something that Mixon ever said.
So then the NFL sent Mixon a notice he was being $25k for what he did say at his locker: “Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs' hands. The whole world sees what it is, bro, but it is what it is.”
Which seems pretty harsh for those particular words. $25k is apparently the max fine they can levy for it.
Hope he appeals it.
Only, he never said that. That was a tweet by T.J. Houshmandzadeh and not something that Mixon ever said.
So then the NFL sent Mixon a notice he was being $25k for what he did say at his locker: “Everybody knows how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs' hands. The whole world sees what it is, bro, but it is what it is.”
Which seems pretty harsh for those particular words. $25k is apparently the max fine they can levy for it.
Hope he appeals it.
That feels like a mistake to me. Like, yes the offense took a step back this year, but they had all kinds of injuries, and Slowik was a huge part of the step up in 2023. I would have given him another season. I doubt he'll have much trouble finding another OC job.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
I think it is a good decision. I've said it before, but Slowik strikes me as a good OC in terms of designing plays but a bad playcaller. Something was wrong this year and it seemed like CJ regressed. Have a lot more optimism for the Texans offense with someone else there.
GregR
Footballguy
Houston also fired offensive line coach Chris Strausser and assistant offensive line coach Cole Popovich, and team president Greg Grissom also moving on (amicably).
Some potential OCs:
Current QB coach Jerrod Johnson. There was interest in him by other teams for OC last year, but he stayed with Houston. He also did some playcalling in preseason.
Ohio State OC Chip Kelly. He is a hot name after OSU's championship run. And there's a connection with Demeco, who was a player for Kelly when he was head coach of the Eagles.
Rams OC Mike LaFleur. Brother of Packers HC Matt LaFleur. Mike might be interested in a move as Sean McVay is the playcaller there, not LaFleur. He runs a similar offense as Slowik used (and the two are close friends actually).
Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley. Caley has been widely talked about in league circles during this hiring cycle. Caley is the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams, who had one of the NFL's best passing attacks. Caley went to John Carroll University, the same school Texans general manager Nick Caserio attended. He was also an offensive assistant with the Patriots when Caserio was in New England. So he has connections to Houston.
Mike McCarthy. Not sure I see this one happening, but it was mentioned in the Chronicle article.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback coach Josh McCown. McCown was spoken of as a Texans HC candidate, before they pivoted to Lovie and then got Demeco the next year. He didn't have a great stint as Carolina QB coach, but maybe they still have interest (even without Easterby around).
Doug Pederson. Experienced and is available.
New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Son of Gary Kubiak. Spent one season as the 49ers' passing game coordinator in 2023. Still under contract to the Saints though, but they are getting a new HC so could free up.
Other notable names
• Byron Leftwitch, former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator
• Shane Day, former Texans offensive assistant and now quarterbacks coach for the Chargers
• Tee Martin, Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks' coach
Some potential OCs:
Current QB coach Jerrod Johnson. There was interest in him by other teams for OC last year, but he stayed with Houston. He also did some playcalling in preseason.
Ohio State OC Chip Kelly. He is a hot name after OSU's championship run. And there's a connection with Demeco, who was a player for Kelly when he was head coach of the Eagles.
Rams OC Mike LaFleur. Brother of Packers HC Matt LaFleur. Mike might be interested in a move as Sean McVay is the playcaller there, not LaFleur. He runs a similar offense as Slowik used (and the two are close friends actually).
Los Angeles Rams passing game coordinator Nick Caley. Caley has been widely talked about in league circles during this hiring cycle. Caley is the tight ends coach and passing game coordinator for the Rams, who had one of the NFL's best passing attacks. Caley went to John Carroll University, the same school Texans general manager Nick Caserio attended. He was also an offensive assistant with the Patriots when Caserio was in New England. So he has connections to Houston.
Mike McCarthy. Not sure I see this one happening, but it was mentioned in the Chronicle article.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback coach Josh McCown. McCown was spoken of as a Texans HC candidate, before they pivoted to Lovie and then got Demeco the next year. He didn't have a great stint as Carolina QB coach, but maybe they still have interest (even without Easterby around).
Doug Pederson. Experienced and is available.
New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Son of Gary Kubiak. Spent one season as the 49ers' passing game coordinator in 2023. Still under contract to the Saints though, but they are getting a new HC so could free up.
Other notable names
• Byron Leftwitch, former Tampa Bay offensive coordinator
• Shane Day, former Texans offensive assistant and now quarterbacks coach for the Chargers
• Tee Martin, Baltimore Ravens quarterbacks' coach
GregR
Footballguy
I think that might be a pretty apt summary about good play designer but not a good playcaller. There do seem to be times that it is questionable why he's reacting to what's going on how he has.
I think the radio kind of also put it nicely that it shows the Texans have a sense of urgency to go compete especially while CJ, Will, etc, are on their rookie contracts and you have some extra flexibility. Yes they could have given Slowik time to develop, but they want to strike while they have an advantage there.
Texanchris
Footballguy
I’m hoping Klint Kubiak becomes OC. If his dad is still coaching too, even better
ChiefD
Footballguy
Case Keenum is still in the league?
I thought he was doing Geico commercials at this point.
Jayded
Footballguy
He was horrible. Remember how bad Houston was on offense after half?
Even the pundits laughed at his schemes and lit him on fire on social media weekly for poor scheme designed. CJ regressed and the scheme was at least partly, if not mostly responsible. The Texans cannot waste time hoping Slowik figures it out.
I half agree. I thought the league adjusted to Slowik, and he struggled to adjust back. However, he was a 2nd year coordinator who did an excellent job the season before. I just feel like there are better odds Slowik gained with experience than there is the replacement is better.
I also think the injuries were every bit as big an issue. I mean, Mixon missed a month, Collins missed almost 2 months, Diggs missed over half of the season, was Dell ever really fully healthy? Some of the offenses issues were also a rough OL, that was often Laremy Tunsil (who is very good when not being penalized) and the 4 other guys.
I think Slowik didn't have a great year, but I also think he's getting FAR too much blame, and I think its more likely than not that the offense is worse than it was with the new OC.
Major
Footballguy
I don't think you watched the offense closely enough as they were underperforming before all the injuries. Not to mention his play calling has been extremely suspect all season. The Texans don't have years to be patient and figure this out as all the rookie contracts are coming due (Stingley,CJ,Anderson,etc).
Bobby is a good offensive resource for breaking down tape, etc but he's not the alpha play caller you want running the show. I see him more as an assistant for an offensive play calling HC. A guy like Chip Kelly would be a massive upgrade.
Jayded
Footballguy
Injuries will always be a part of it and adjustments are key in the NFL ; season to season, game to game, and half to half. Bobby was one of the worst in all three of those.
What would be a disappointing result at this point is taking another shot at someone with no experience. Carley is a hot name right now, but he could just be Slowik 2.0.
I think DeMeco correctly assessed the OL and OC coaching positions as key weaknesses and needed non-first timers to come in. If he can get someone like Chip Kelly and the Eagles’ OL coach that Kelly hired, they’d be massive upgrades.
People dog the Houston OL, but our outgoing coach had never coached OL before. Seriously. OL play as a unit and we never had that feel. We don’t know if it’s coach, scheme, players, etc so we had to toss it all out.
Getting a new OL coach might tell us we have the right players in the wrong positions. That’d be cheapest for us given contracts and draft capital. Then having an experienced OC to work with on scheme installation might see the offense return to where it should have been. Opens up the draft to select weapons (Warren, Egbuka, Golden) and LBs to round out the team.
GregR
Footballguy
I came in to say something similar about, if they aren't going to give Slowik time to grow, then they probably should be looking at someone who is well-experienced and proven. Otherwise you're just making the same gamble with someone that you weren't willing to make on Slowik. Unless you thought Slowik wasn't going to be able to improve, that doesn't seem like a good call.
Alex P Keaton
Footballguy
Stroud regressed in year 2. The OL had protection issues, the play calling was crap, and Stroud held the ball way too long (and rarely scrambled). No coincidence that all these things happened with an inexperienced OC paired with a young QB and a defensive-minded head coach.
Slowik simply had to go. It was dumb that Ryans ever hired him in the first place.
Slowik simply had to go. It was dumb that Ryans ever hired him in the first place.
GregR
Footballguy
The Seattle Seahawks on Sunday hired former New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to the same position.
GregR
Footballguy
The Texans are currently set to pick 25th in the NFL draft in April although a lot can, and usually does, happen between now and then.
The Texans own their picks in rounds 1-4, then will pick with the Buffalo Bills' slot in the fifth. Houston moved its own fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles last year to move up and take Calen Bullock in the third round. It acquired the Bills pick as part of the Stefon Diggs trade last year. The Texans lack a sixth-rounder after dealing it for Kendrick Green in 2023, then will pick back at their slot again in the seventh round.
The Texans own their picks in rounds 1-4, then will pick with the Buffalo Bills' slot in the fifth. Houston moved its own fifth-round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles last year to move up and take Calen Bullock in the third round. It acquired the Bills pick as part of the Stefon Diggs trade last year. The Texans lack a sixth-rounder after dealing it for Kendrick Green in 2023, then will pick back at their slot again in the seventh round.
GregR
Footballguy
Two areas the Texans could focus on, depending how free agency turns out in March, are receiver and offensive line.
An early look at players they could target:
Wide Receiver
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Houston got a good look at what could be a top offseason option at receiver when Egbuka won the national championship with the Buckeyes. The 22-year-old had six catches for 64 yards in the victory over Notre Dame, putting him over 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his college career.
Egbuka came to Ohio State as a five-star prospect in 2021, just one year after Stroud arrived as the same. Though he was never Stroud’s top option while they were teammates as NFL stars Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. presided over him. Even when Egbuka entered this season as the team’s top returning receiver, he still competed for targets with freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, likely a top pick when eligible for the draft two years from now.
However, that’s likely a positive for the Texans. Any receiver coming in would become Target No. 2 behind Nico Collins. Egbuka’s experience as a complimentary option would serve him better early in the NFL than college receivers used to quarterbacks looking their way every snap.
Egbuka also fits Houston’s needs at receiver. He’s touted as an elite route runner, something Houston lost when Stefon Diggs went down with his torn right ACL in October. He also worked primarily out of the slot, where Diggs and Tank Dell ran the most routes for the Texans before their respective injuries. Egbuka’s production, traits and already built-in chemistry with Stroud make him a strong target for Houston’s first pick.
Matthew Golden, Texas
Another receiver who should be fresh on the Texans mind is Golden. The 21-year-old shined in the college postseason for the Longhorns, posting 162 yards in the SEC Championship, 149 yards and a crucial touchdown in the Cotton Bowl and making a wild one-handed catch to start the playoff semifinal.
Houston should also have familiarity with Golden as he’s a former Klein Cain standout. He also played two seasons for the University of Houston, including one with Dell, before transferring to Texas this year. Golden was an auxiliary option with the Cougars but exploded for the Longhorns in his lone season there, compiling 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns to lead the team.
Golden boasts elite speed and athleticism on the outside, an intriguing profile to match with Collins. Caserio has also shown a liking for local products, taking Kenyon Green, Jalen Pitre, Dell, and Dylan Horton in his tenure who all have ties to the area.
Xavier Restrepo, Miami
If Houston feels the need for instant production from a young receiver, Restrepo might be their best bet. The 22-year-old is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Hurricanes and formed one of the more prolific duos in college football this season with potential top pick quarterback Cam Ward.
Restrepo is a prototypical slot with good speed and intelligent route running skills. He proved to be one of college’s most reliable targets in 2024, offering a near perfect 141.9 passer rating when targeted this season. He’s also elite with the ball in his hands, compiling 503 yards after the catch this year. Houston had 446 yards after the catch from the slot position in total this year, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
Restrepo could step in and instantly take over the slot for the Texans. He’s also likely to be available later than Egbuka or Golden, giving Houston flexibility to look at other positions with their first pick if they choose.
Interior Offensive Line
Tyler Booker, Alabama
Booker is touted as the best pure guard in the class as he’s menacing at the point of attack and a brick wall when it comes to pass protection.
Booker allowed just two sacks in his three seasons for the Crimson Tide and none in 13 games this season, according to PFF. Booker also allowed just 10 pressures this season while helping Alabama run for a combined 2,260 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The 21-year-old fits Houston’s fixation for Alabama. The team has selected four players from the school in the last three drafts and it had six Crimson Tide players on its roster for part of this year. Coach DeMeco Ryans, an Alabama alum, likes knowing the background of the program his new players were coming from.
Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Booker could end up going before Houston picks at 25. Ratledge could be an option at their spot or later to fill their interior need.
Ratledge gave up just two sacks in his three full seasons for the Bulldogs and just 18 pressures. His agility might need to improve to be as dominant against NFL pass rushers, but Ratledge should be a strong run blocker and contributor from Day 1 as a professional.
The 23-year-old might slip due to some injuries in his college career. He missed four games this season with ankle and knee issues. He was expected to be the team’s starting right guard for the 2021 national championship team but was lost to a foot injury. The fifth-year senior is touted as the leader and communicator of Georgia’s formidable front.
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Jackson is another option that the Texans could look at if Booker is off the board.
The 22-year-old was a three-year starter in Columbus and played a pivotal role for the team this year. Jackson played the majority of his career as a left guard. But when left tackles Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski were injured this year, Ohio State were forced to bump him outside. Jackson struggled in his first game, allowing two sacks and five pressures, but came into his own down the stretch. He gave up no sacks and just two pressures in the Buckeyes’ four playoff games.
Jackson’s versatility could intrigue the Texans. His background should as well. Stroud has familiarity with the lineman as he started at left guard during the quarterback’s final collegiate season. Jackson also has familiarity with Houston a former standout Episcopal High School in Bellaire.
An early look at players they could target:
Wide Receiver
Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
Houston got a good look at what could be a top offseason option at receiver when Egbuka won the national championship with the Buckeyes. The 22-year-old had six catches for 64 yards in the victory over Notre Dame, putting him over 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his college career.
Egbuka came to Ohio State as a five-star prospect in 2021, just one year after Stroud arrived as the same. Though he was never Stroud’s top option while they were teammates as NFL stars Garrett Wilson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. presided over him. Even when Egbuka entered this season as the team’s top returning receiver, he still competed for targets with freshman phenom Jeremiah Smith, likely a top pick when eligible for the draft two years from now.
However, that’s likely a positive for the Texans. Any receiver coming in would become Target No. 2 behind Nico Collins. Egbuka’s experience as a complimentary option would serve him better early in the NFL than college receivers used to quarterbacks looking their way every snap.
Egbuka also fits Houston’s needs at receiver. He’s touted as an elite route runner, something Houston lost when Stefon Diggs went down with his torn right ACL in October. He also worked primarily out of the slot, where Diggs and Tank Dell ran the most routes for the Texans before their respective injuries. Egbuka’s production, traits and already built-in chemistry with Stroud make him a strong target for Houston’s first pick.
Matthew Golden, Texas
Another receiver who should be fresh on the Texans mind is Golden. The 21-year-old shined in the college postseason for the Longhorns, posting 162 yards in the SEC Championship, 149 yards and a crucial touchdown in the Cotton Bowl and making a wild one-handed catch to start the playoff semifinal.
Houston should also have familiarity with Golden as he’s a former Klein Cain standout. He also played two seasons for the University of Houston, including one with Dell, before transferring to Texas this year. Golden was an auxiliary option with the Cougars but exploded for the Longhorns in his lone season there, compiling 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns to lead the team.
Golden boasts elite speed and athleticism on the outside, an intriguing profile to match with Collins. Caserio has also shown a liking for local products, taking Kenyon Green, Jalen Pitre, Dell, and Dylan Horton in his tenure who all have ties to the area.
Xavier Restrepo, Miami
If Houston feels the need for instant production from a young receiver, Restrepo might be their best bet. The 22-year-old is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Hurricanes and formed one of the more prolific duos in college football this season with potential top pick quarterback Cam Ward.
Restrepo is a prototypical slot with good speed and intelligent route running skills. He proved to be one of college’s most reliable targets in 2024, offering a near perfect 141.9 passer rating when targeted this season. He’s also elite with the ball in his hands, compiling 503 yards after the catch this year. Houston had 446 yards after the catch from the slot position in total this year, according to the NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
Restrepo could step in and instantly take over the slot for the Texans. He’s also likely to be available later than Egbuka or Golden, giving Houston flexibility to look at other positions with their first pick if they choose.
Interior Offensive Line
Tyler Booker, Alabama
Booker is touted as the best pure guard in the class as he’s menacing at the point of attack and a brick wall when it comes to pass protection.
Booker allowed just two sacks in his three seasons for the Crimson Tide and none in 13 games this season, according to PFF. Booker also allowed just 10 pressures this season while helping Alabama run for a combined 2,260 yards and 41 touchdowns.
The 21-year-old fits Houston’s fixation for Alabama. The team has selected four players from the school in the last three drafts and it had six Crimson Tide players on its roster for part of this year. Coach DeMeco Ryans, an Alabama alum, likes knowing the background of the program his new players were coming from.
Tate Ratledge, Georgia
Booker could end up going before Houston picks at 25. Ratledge could be an option at their spot or later to fill their interior need.
Ratledge gave up just two sacks in his three full seasons for the Bulldogs and just 18 pressures. His agility might need to improve to be as dominant against NFL pass rushers, but Ratledge should be a strong run blocker and contributor from Day 1 as a professional.
The 23-year-old might slip due to some injuries in his college career. He missed four games this season with ankle and knee issues. He was expected to be the team’s starting right guard for the 2021 national championship team but was lost to a foot injury. The fifth-year senior is touted as the leader and communicator of Georgia’s formidable front.
Donovan Jackson, Ohio State
Jackson is another option that the Texans could look at if Booker is off the board.
The 22-year-old was a three-year starter in Columbus and played a pivotal role for the team this year. Jackson played the majority of his career as a left guard. But when left tackles Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski were injured this year, Ohio State were forced to bump him outside. Jackson struggled in his first game, allowing two sacks and five pressures, but came into his own down the stretch. He gave up no sacks and just two pressures in the Buckeyes’ four playoff games.
Jackson’s versatility could intrigue the Texans. His background should as well. Stroud has familiarity with the lineman as he started at left guard during the quarterback’s final collegiate season. Jackson also has familiarity with Houston a former standout Episcopal High School in Bellaire.
GregR
Footballguy
The Houston Texans interviewed Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon to replace Bobby Slowik, a person with knowledge of the talks confirmed.
The Texans also interviewed their quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson. The Texans were grooming Johnson to succeed Slowik, allowing him to call plays during the preseason.
Johnson played a key role with C.J. Stroud in 2023 when Stroud was the league's offensive rookie of the year.
Nixon was the first interview for Houston's offensive coordinator job after the team fired Slowik on Friday. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler first reported the interview.
In Nixon's first season calling plays for the Orange, quarterback Kyle McCord led the NCAA in passing yards (4,799) and passing attempts (592). Running back LeQuint Allen also led the NCAA in catches for running backs (64) and had over 1,500 scrimmage yards.
Before Syracuse, Nixon was the running backs coach for the New York Giants in 2023. He also spent three seasons with the Carolina Panthers under Matt Rhule, first serving as the running backs coach before he was elevated as the interim playcaller after Rhule fired Joe Brady.
Nixon had mixed results in Carolina as play-caller with an injured offense, led by Cam Newton in his final season. But it also wasn't Nixon's offense or personnel.
Other logical candidates the Texans could interview included Ohio State offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who coached Texans coach DeMeco Ryans for three years in Philadelphia.
Major
Footballguy
Who are you betting on Greg? I'm hoping for Chip but whomever they hire, I just want someone with play calling experience at the pro level. I don't want another project like Bobby as Demeco hasn't really shown the interest or ability to oversee that side of the ball.
GregR
Footballguy
Yeah I'd say Chip Kelly would top my list easily. Klink Kubiak was another that I thought might be interesting to go with but the Seahawks already hired him as OC. LaFleur would also be interesting but don't know that he has much playcalling experience.
Can't say I know much about the Syracuse guy, nothing really beyond what was in the article. I wouldn't be surprised if they go with promoting Jerrod Johnson, but if they want someone with playcalling experience, he wouldn't be it either. Though few of the guys mentioned by the Chronicle as possibilities have playcalling that I saw. I can't help but also note in the back of my head that having minority OCs can really be a boon if they work out, as I believe you get a pair of 3rd round picks if they then get a head coaching job.
So yeah, I mean, Chip Kelly seems like far and away the best choice to me, especially if previous playcalling is a desire. I'm not sure what he's looking to do though, if he wants to get back to a headcoaching gig, and college or pros.
GregR
Footballguy
Doing a bit of quick Google research... Kelly is getting talk about NFL jobs in the media. Houston and Jacksonville being the two most mentioned. Apparently Kelly and Liam Coen don't have direct connections, but both are close to former Nebraska coach Mark Whipple. Not sure how much that would play a role if at all. Coen would be a play-calling head coach, so that might lessen the attractiveness of the job for Kelly.
No word on if Kelly actually wants to leave. Saw mention he's out recruiting a QB for Ohio State right now for what it's worth.
No word on if Kelly actually wants to leave. Saw mention he's out recruiting a QB for Ohio State right now for what it's worth.
Kelly seems like a good hire if they can get him. His offenses were still great with the Eagles despite having to roll guys like Nick Foles, Mark Sanchez, and Sam Bradford out at QB. Obviously Ohio States offense tore it up. Would probably also put Egbuka at the very top of the list in every mock draft for us too.
Major
Footballguy
Wow, didn't know you possibly get a pair of 3rd round picks. That's a big bounty. That said, I want no one who was part of the Bobby camp running this offense.
Desert_Power
Footballguy
That is a big get for the Seahawks. I thought he did a great job in NO, obviously overshadowed by all the injuries.
GregR
Footballguy
The Texans are expected to interview Rams passing game coordinator/tight ends coach Nick Caley, Sports Illustrated reported. Caley interviewed for the Buccaneers offensive coordinator role and for the Jets. He's a hot name on the coaching circuit, and has a connection with Texans general manager Nick Caserio.
According to KRPC2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, the Texans plan to interview senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor for the opening on Thursday.
Lazor has been on staff for two seasons but hasn't been a coordinator since 2021.
If play-calling is a requirement for the position, Lazor, 52, might be a front-runner. The Former Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator called plays for three different franchises, helping all reach the playoffs at some point in his tenure.
So some interesting talk on sports radio which was basically, if you're interviewing two different guys who were part of Slowik's staff, but didn't want to continue with Slowik... what does that imply about what the issues were? Was Slowik pushing for things that happened like Schultz blocking defensive ends, and the other offensive coaches didn't agree but followed the marching orders?
On Lazor, there were comments like, well he wasn't bad at his previous locations. He didn't have a lot to work with at them, but they weren't great, weren't bad. I mean, not exactly overwhelming endorsements.
I really don't have a feel for who they'll end up with. I mean of the ones they talked to, Nick Caley or maybe the Syracuse guy seem like the brightest options, and I'm giving the latter a lot of credit in saying that. Hoping a Chip Kelly interview is coming. But no idea if it even happens if he hasn't talked to anyone in the NFL yet.
According to KRPC2 Sports' Aaron Wilson, the Texans plan to interview senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor for the opening on Thursday.
Lazor has been on staff for two seasons but hasn't been a coordinator since 2021.
If play-calling is a requirement for the position, Lazor, 52, might be a front-runner. The Former Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator called plays for three different franchises, helping all reach the playoffs at some point in his tenure.
So some interesting talk on sports radio which was basically, if you're interviewing two different guys who were part of Slowik's staff, but didn't want to continue with Slowik... what does that imply about what the issues were? Was Slowik pushing for things that happened like Schultz blocking defensive ends, and the other offensive coaches didn't agree but followed the marching orders?
On Lazor, there were comments like, well he wasn't bad at his previous locations. He didn't have a lot to work with at them, but they weren't great, weren't bad. I mean, not exactly overwhelming endorsements.
I really don't have a feel for who they'll end up with. I mean of the ones they talked to, Nick Caley or maybe the Syracuse guy seem like the brightest options, and I'm giving the latter a lot of credit in saying that. Hoping a Chip Kelly interview is coming. But no idea if it even happens if he hasn't talked to anyone in the NFL yet.
GregR
Footballguy
Three weeks after he was was named first team All-Pro by the Associated Press, Derek Stingley Jr., earned the same honors from The Sporting News on Thursday.
Stingley, who the Texans drafted third overall in 2022, posted career-highs in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defended (18) and tackles for a loss (four). He also picked off five passes for the second straight season. According to NextGenStats, Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.
The 23-year-old Stingley, who also made his first Pro Bowl, is eligible for a contract extension for the first time as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal. The Texans can pick up his fifth-year option before May 1, lengthening their time to get a long-term deal done.
Stingley, who the Texans drafted third overall in 2022, posted career-highs in nearly every category, including total tackles (54), passes defended (18) and tackles for a loss (four). He also picked off five passes for the second straight season. According to NextGenStats, Stingley allowed the lowest passer rating (56.9) and lowest completion percentage (46.7%) among cornerbacks who played at least 400 coverage snaps this season.
The 23-year-old Stingley, who also made his first Pro Bowl, is eligible for a contract extension for the first time as he heads into the final year of his rookie deal. The Texans can pick up his fifth-year option before May 1, lengthening their time to get a long-term deal done.
GregR
Footballguy
The Houston Texans continued their search for an offensive coordinator by interviewing Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski on Thursday and scheduling an interview with Commanders assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson, according to multiple reports.
The 29-year-old Udinski began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019 and followed Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers. After two years in Carolina, he joined the Vikings' staff under offensive guru Kevin O'Connell.
Johnson, a former Baytown Lee High School star, was the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator in 2023 before being fired after one season and joining the Commanders.
Johnson, who turns 38 in February, has spent the past four seasons in the NFL. He started as the Eagles quarterbacks coach in 2021 and was elevated to offensive coordinator, replacing Shane Steichen who left for the Colts' head coaching job following Philadelphia's Super Bowl appearance.
Johnson was dismissed when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense took a step back in 2023 with Hurts throwing a career-high 15 interceptions while the offense's point production slipped from third (28.1 points per game) to seventh (25.5).
After the Commanders hired Dan Quinn as their head coach, he nabbed Johnson to be his assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator. With rookie Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Commanders thrived, ranking third in points per game with 30.3, which trailed only the Eagles and Lions.
The 29-year-old Udinski began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019 and followed Matt Rhule to the Carolina Panthers. After two years in Carolina, he joined the Vikings' staff under offensive guru Kevin O'Connell.
Johnson, a former Baytown Lee High School star, was the Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coordinator in 2023 before being fired after one season and joining the Commanders.
Johnson, who turns 38 in February, has spent the past four seasons in the NFL. He started as the Eagles quarterbacks coach in 2021 and was elevated to offensive coordinator, replacing Shane Steichen who left for the Colts' head coaching job following Philadelphia's Super Bowl appearance.
Johnson was dismissed when Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense took a step back in 2023 with Hurts throwing a career-high 15 interceptions while the offense's point production slipped from third (28.1 points per game) to seventh (25.5).
After the Commanders hired Dan Quinn as their head coach, he nabbed Johnson to be his assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator. With rookie Jayden Daniels at quarterback, the Commanders thrived, ranking third in points per game with 30.3, which trailed only the Eagles and Lions.
GregR
Footballguy
Barnwell:
Houston Texans (4)
Projected cap space: $2.6 million (25th) before Stefon Diggs's contract voids, adding $16.6 million in space
Notable unrestricted free agents: Edge Derek Barnett, WR Stefon Diggs, DL Foley Fatukasi, G Kendrick Green, LB Neville Hewitt, Edge Jerry Hughes, WR Diontae Johnson, S Eric Murray, CB Jeff Okudah, RB Dare Ogunbowale, LB Devin White, WR Robert Woods
Top priority: Diggs. When the Texans traded a second-round pick for Diggs and voided the final four years of his deal as a motivational tactic, it seemed like they were going to either end up landing a big win or a big loss. In the end, it fell something closer to incomplete. Diggs averaged 62 receiving yards per game and 1.91 yards per route run this season, figures close to what the four-time Pro Bowler posted in his final season with the Bills.
Unfortunately for all parties involved, Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8 and missed the remainder of the season. It's unclear whether he will be able to return in time for the start of the 2025 season, and as a 31-year-old with numbers down comfortably from his peak, my initial suspicion was that he probably isn't looking at a significant deal in free agency. Then again, Odell Beckham Jr. got a one-year, $15 million deal from the Ravens in 2023, and that was after missing an entire season with a torn ACL.
The Texans need to reenvision their offense after a disappointing performance on that side of the ball led to the firing of coordinator Bobby Slowik. They also have a hole at wide receiver behind Nico Collins after Tank Dell suffered a multiligament knee injury in December. A reunion with Diggs on a one-year deal in the Beckham range would make sense, but if he is able to land a multiyear guarantee elsewhere, Houston would probably need to bow out.
Potential candidates for release: DT Denico Autry, OL Tytus Howard, G Shaq Mason. After the disaster that was their offensive line, the Texans have to give serious thought to making major changes up front. Howard wants to play right tackle, but the Texans have moved him to left guard each of the past two seasons, and they're likely to start 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher at his natural position on the right side next season. Just $1.8 million of Howard's $16 million in compensation is guaranteed, so the 2019 first-rounder is a candidate to take a pay cut or get traded.
Autry has been one of the league's most underrated players over the past few seasons, but he was suspended for the first six games of the season after violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. In an abbreviated debut season with the Texans, the 34-year-old had three sacks and six knockdowns in 10 games. None of the $9 million he's owed in 2025 is guaranteed, and Houston might regret its decision to sign him given what has happened since.
Houston Texans (4)
Projected cap space: $2.6 million (25th) before Stefon Diggs's contract voids, adding $16.6 million in space
Notable unrestricted free agents: Edge Derek Barnett, WR Stefon Diggs, DL Foley Fatukasi, G Kendrick Green, LB Neville Hewitt, Edge Jerry Hughes, WR Diontae Johnson, S Eric Murray, CB Jeff Okudah, RB Dare Ogunbowale, LB Devin White, WR Robert Woods
Top priority: Diggs. When the Texans traded a second-round pick for Diggs and voided the final four years of his deal as a motivational tactic, it seemed like they were going to either end up landing a big win or a big loss. In the end, it fell something closer to incomplete. Diggs averaged 62 receiving yards per game and 1.91 yards per route run this season, figures close to what the four-time Pro Bowler posted in his final season with the Bills.
Unfortunately for all parties involved, Diggs tore his ACL in Week 8 and missed the remainder of the season. It's unclear whether he will be able to return in time for the start of the 2025 season, and as a 31-year-old with numbers down comfortably from his peak, my initial suspicion was that he probably isn't looking at a significant deal in free agency. Then again, Odell Beckham Jr. got a one-year, $15 million deal from the Ravens in 2023, and that was after missing an entire season with a torn ACL.
The Texans need to reenvision their offense after a disappointing performance on that side of the ball led to the firing of coordinator Bobby Slowik. They also have a hole at wide receiver behind Nico Collins after Tank Dell suffered a multiligament knee injury in December. A reunion with Diggs on a one-year deal in the Beckham range would make sense, but if he is able to land a multiyear guarantee elsewhere, Houston would probably need to bow out.
Potential candidates for release: DT Denico Autry, OL Tytus Howard, G Shaq Mason. After the disaster that was their offensive line, the Texans have to give serious thought to making major changes up front. Howard wants to play right tackle, but the Texans have moved him to left guard each of the past two seasons, and they're likely to start 2024 second-round pick Blake Fisher at his natural position on the right side next season. Just $1.8 million of Howard's $16 million in compensation is guaranteed, so the 2019 first-rounder is a candidate to take a pay cut or get traded.
Autry has been one of the league's most underrated players over the past few seasons, but he was suspended for the first six games of the season after violating the league's policy against performance-enhancing drugs. In an abbreviated debut season with the Texans, the 34-year-old had three sacks and six knockdowns in 10 games. None of the $9 million he's owed in 2025 is guaranteed, and Houston might regret its decision to sign him given what has happened since.
They left out that Howard carries a $21MM dead cap hit if cut, can’t see them outright cutting him unless he’s designated a post June 1st. Kick him to LG for one more season, let Fisher learn at RT and have Howard as a backup if Fisher doesn’t develop. Draft a RG and cut Mason as I mentioned in a previous post.
Edit: I guess they said paycut or traded and not cut which makes slightly more sense. Still not sure a trade helps them much, since they’d have no one for LG and Fisher no lock as a starter at RT yet. A trade would barely free up any space this year too. If they could sign a FA guard like Will Fries and draft another would give a lot of flexibility and time for the younger guys to develop.
Per the pundits, its a very deep draft for DT’s and Caserio was quoted saying they considered a DT in the 2nd this past year. For that reason, I agree that Autry may get cut.
Diggs at $15MM for 1 year off an ACL tear? Hard pass IMO
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Major
Footballguy
Agreed. I want no part in Diggs. Draft a WR in the first or second and bring in a younger/healthier FA with that money (not sure who is out there however). I'm looking at this as Dell may never be the same. Also still on my wish list is a TE who offers pass protection and can catch. I'm tired of Schultz who may possibly be the first human turnstyle.
It’s a decent FA WR class for complementary guys for now (we’ll see who resigns.) Don’t think we can outbid anyone for Tee Higgins and maybe even Amari Cooper, but Marquis Brown is an option or I can’t imagine Keenan Allen will cost much. I think Godwin probably resigns with the Bucs but he’s worth it if he walks due to his injury (could see JAX cutting Kirk and going after Godwin to fit into Coen’s offense.)
GregR
Footballguy
Here's what we're hearing as Houston Texans prepare to hire an offensive coordinator
The Houston Texans are facing one of the most important decisions of their future in hiring a new offensive coordinator after Bobby Slowik’s dismissal.
So far, there are seven candidates who have interviewed for the job, the Chronicle has confirmed.
They are Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson; Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon; Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley; Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis; Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski; Texans senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor; and Commanders passing game coordinator Brian Johnson.
I’ve talked to a half-dozen league sources over the past few days to gain insight on what the Texans are facing and how they might be thinking.
Here are some things I’m hearing:
What are the Texans looking for?
One of the biggest decisions the Texans are trying to make, according to two league sources, is figuring out whether they want to run a spread/run-pass option type of offense or stay within Mike and Kyle Shanahan/Sean McVay system, which they’ve run the past two years.
Jerrod Johnson, Caley and Udinski, in particular, represent a continuation of the Shanahan/McVay system.
Candidates like Lazor — who has called plays for the Dolphins, Bengals and Bears — Nixon and Johnson represent more of a spread and RPO style of offense that the Texans feel could also benefit C.J. Stroud’s strengths.
In addition, sources told me that head coach DeMeco Ryans is leading the OC search, and he’s looking for someone who will be strong in the run game and complement and help Stroud.
I get the sense the Texans will seek Stroud’s input before making the final decision, which could happen as soon as Sunday. The Texans want to build the offense around him and his skill set. Most important is making sure Stroud is comfortable with what the coordinator is running.
Towards the end of their tenure together, there was a sense around the building that Stroud and Slowik disagreed on how to best use him. It was nothing out of the ordinary. Just a disagreement of minds.
But there were some people who felt like Stroud was being boxed in and restricted in his second season under Slowik, which didn’t allow for Stroud to be himself. Whereas in his first season, the offense felt more tailored toward his strengths and he made a lot of his plays out of the structure of the offense.
Why not Chip Kelly?
After talking with someone who’s worked with Kelly, I get the sense that while they don’t expect him to be a college coach much longer and will eventually pursue a path back to the NFL, Kelly doesn’t necessarily feel he needs to leave Ohio State right now.
He’s in a good situation coming off a national championship as the play-caller for the Buckeyes, with a new quarterback in Julian Sayin, who was a five-star prospect. Kelly could have another successful year with the Buckeyes, and his stock would increase even further.
How do the Texans feel about him? I don’t know. But if they did really want him over others, they could probably help make it happen.
What I do know is at his introductory press conference, Ryans spoke highly of Kelly, his former coach with the Eagles, in being an innovator and trying new things.
And Kelly’s spread offense is one the Texans are looking at.
I talked to a couple of league sources who cautioned against Kelly, however. They had nothing bad to say about the person, but they pointed to how his short stints in the NFL failed.
He spent three years in Philadelphia before he was fired, then was fired after one year in San Francisco in 2016.
Those sources said based on that, nothing would give them confidence that it could all of a sudden work if he became the offensive coordinator in Houston.
There was also the fact that not everything was great at Ohio State. After Ohio State’s loss to Michigan in November, it looked like Kelly could be fired if the Buckeyes didn't win the national championship. Fortunately, Kelly was able to turn things around.
Rhule on Nixon and Udinski
I covered Rhule for two seasons when he was the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. And both Udinski and Nixon worked under him at Baylor and for the Panthers before branching out. So I figured I’d reach out to Rhule, now the coach at Nebraska.
Nixon, 50, a former running back at Penn State, was Rhule’s co-offensive coordinator at Baylor. He served as an interim play-caller with the Panthers after Joe Brady was fired during the 2021 season. Rhule and Nixon have known each other since high school and are best friends.
I asked Rhule why he thinks Nixon would make a good offensive coordinator for the Texans.
“He called plays at Baylor. He called plays in Carolina at the end of 2021. He crushed it at Syracuse,” Rhule said in a text. “He is smart, aggressive and has a system he believes in that’s excellent.”
In Nixon’s first season calling plays at Syracuse, the Orange finished 10-3 and had the No. 1 passing offense in the country. Quarterback Kyle McCord led the NCAA in passing yards (4,799) and passing attempts (592).
They were No. 7 overall in total offense (467.6 yards per game) and 21st in points per game (34.4).
As for Udinski, he might be the youngest of the group of interviewees at 29 and has less experience than the rest of the group, but he still comes highly regarded. He was most recently the assistant OC/assistant quarterbacks coach for the Vikings.
As the assistant QBs coach under Kevin O’Connell, his role is to prepare the backup quarterbacks. It was a role Jerrod Johnson had before he became the Texans' QBs coach.
Under Rhule, Udinski was a graduate assistant at Baylor and then a coaching assistant for two years (2020-21) with the Panthers.
“Grant is highly intelligent, capable, and is a gifted young coach,” Rhule said.
Would Udinski make a good OC? “Yeah, he would,” Rhule said.
Udinski is a hot name on the coaching circuit. He has reportedly interviewed for four other OC jobs.
Brian Johnson interviewed Friday
Brian Johnson, 37, is an interesting candidate. He was vital to the Eagles' success in their first Super Bowl run in 2022 as the quarterbacks coach. That year, Jalen Hurts was a MVP candidate and voted second team All-Pro.
The Eagles promoted Johnson to offensive coordinator the following year after Shane Steichen left for the Colts. But they fired Johnson after one season calling plays after the Eagles regressed.
He went to the Washington Commanders, where he served as their assistant head coach and passing game coordinator, and had another phenomenal season.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is likely the NFL’s offensive rookie of the year after throwing for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns and just nine interceptions with a 100.1 passer rating. He also ran for six touchdowns.
Stroud himself called it the best rookie season of all-time.
I don’t think the future offensive coordinator will use Stroud as a runner, like the Commanders used Daniels and the Eagles use Hurts. However, the Texans want to do a better job of utilizing Stroud’s legs more after seeing how much of a weapon they were in the playoffs.
Johnson does have a couple Houston connections. He’s a Baytown native and was the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at UH for a season in 2017.
Caley-Caserio connection
Caley is the current tight ends coach and passing game coordinator with the Rams, where he has been since 2023. He interviewed for the offensive coordinator job in 2023 before the Texans ultimately hired Slowik, a source said.
Before that, he was with the Patriots, where he worked with general manager Nick Caserio from 2015-20.
Caley also attended Caserio’s alma mater, John Carroll University. They have a close relationship. And for the Texans to interview him again, obviously means they think highly of him.
Caley is also a hot name on the coaching circuit. Caserio is not taking the lead role on the search, but he’ll have input.
Jerrod Johnson’s situation
Johnson’s situation is interesting. The Texans were basically grooming him to be the successor to Slowik after a successful first season when Stroud won offensive rookie of the year.
He called plays in two games during the preseason, according to a source. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell told Ryans and Caserio it was a no-brainer to hire Johnson.
But he’s unfortunately — whether it’s deserved or not — tied to the struggles in the passing game this season.
If Ryans doesn’t hire Johnson as his offensive coordinator, it’ll be interesting to see what happens. Ryans is leaving it up to the new offensive coordinator to decide what his staff will look like after being hired.
If the new coordinator does not retain Johnson, the Texans could miss out on a chance to earn compensatory picks if Johnson were to leave them for a head coaching job. Teams that develop minority candidates who become head coaches or general managers elsewhere receive third-round compensatory picks each of the next two years.
One thing Ryans could do — and some coaches have done in the past — is make it a requirement that Johnson remains the quarterbacks coach. It’s uncertain if he would entertain that.
But I wonder how Johnson would feel about that if he’s not given the job. It’s hard to imagine he’d be happy about it. That's not to say he doesn't have a shot at the job, though.
GregR
Footballguy
Tried to do a deeper dive into Jeff Nixon, the Syracuse OC. Pro style offense is about the most descriptive I found. He was a RB and did a lot of coaching of RBs (including Saquon and McCaffrey). Though last year they led the NCAA in pass attempts, they also had a 1000 yard rusher. Listened to an interview clip and sounded like he tries to adjust to the opponent in what they attack with.
GregR
Footballguy
Predicting 2025 NFL free agent contracts and big extensions
Dan Graziano
Five extension candidates
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans
Age: 23 | 2024 stats: 54 tackles, 5 INTs, 11 pass breakups
Remaining contract: One year, $5.3 million plus 2026 fifth-year option
Pat Surtain II's four-year, $96 million deal with the Broncos is likely Stingley's target as the Texans are expected to make his extension a top offseason priority. They'll surely pick up the fifth-year option for 2026, which should cost around $17 million. But the strong likelihood is that they tear up the 2025 and 2026 years and replace them with a brand-new deal that pays Stingley like the top corner he has become.
Stingley has 11 career interceptions over three years, and he allowed 7.6 fewer receptions than expectation in 2024, per NFL Next Gen Stats (second among players with 400-plus coverage snaps). People I've talked to think Stingley could top Surtain's $24 million annual average and his $77.5 million in guarantees.
Prediction: Four years, $104 million, $80 million guaranteed -- which would reset the cornerback market in average annual value.
Dan Graziano
Five extension candidates
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans
Age: 23 | 2024 stats: 54 tackles, 5 INTs, 11 pass breakups
Remaining contract: One year, $5.3 million plus 2026 fifth-year option
Pat Surtain II's four-year, $96 million deal with the Broncos is likely Stingley's target as the Texans are expected to make his extension a top offseason priority. They'll surely pick up the fifth-year option for 2026, which should cost around $17 million. But the strong likelihood is that they tear up the 2025 and 2026 years and replace them with a brand-new deal that pays Stingley like the top corner he has become.
Stingley has 11 career interceptions over three years, and he allowed 7.6 fewer receptions than expectation in 2024, per NFL Next Gen Stats (second among players with 400-plus coverage snaps). People I've talked to think Stingley could top Surtain's $24 million annual average and his $77.5 million in guarantees.
Prediction: Four years, $104 million, $80 million guaranteed -- which would reset the cornerback market in average annual value.
GregR
Footballguy
Rams Nick Caley being hired as Offensive Coordinator per Schefter and Rappaport.
The Houston Texans are hiring Nick Caley as their offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.
Caley, who has spent the past two seasons on Sean McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams, replaces Bobby Slowik, who was fired last month after two seasons.
Caley spent this past season as the Rams' pass game coordinator and tight ends coach. Before joining the Rams, Caley spent six seasons as the New England Patriots' tight ends coach.
The Houston Texans are hiring Nick Caley as their offensive coordinator, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday.
Caley, who has spent the past two seasons on Sean McVay's staff with the Los Angeles Rams, replaces Bobby Slowik, who was fired last month after two seasons.
Caley spent this past season as the Rams' pass game coordinator and tight ends coach. Before joining the Rams, Caley spent six seasons as the New England Patriots' tight ends coach.
GregR
Footballguy
It was feeling like it would probably be Caley or Jerrod Johnson, and possibly both being the best choices unless you take a swing on the Syracuse guy. Of the options after Chip went to Vegas, am content with Caley.
So different topic. CBS has a mock where the Texans draft Ashton Jeanty. Is he seriously being projected to go that late? I haven't really looked at rookie rankings yet, but was surprised. (Edit to add Well, the three mocks NFL is running in their ticker have him around top ten twice and top 15 once. So, yeah, figured that CBS one was unrealistic.
So different topic. CBS has a mock where the Texans draft Ashton Jeanty. Is he seriously being projected to go that late? I haven't really looked at rookie rankings yet, but was surprised. (Edit to add
Well, the three mocks NFL is running in their ticker have him around top ten twice and top 15 once. So, yeah, figured that CBS one was unrealistic.
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