1. Welcome! Please take a few seconds to create your free account to post threads, make some friends, remove a few ads while surfing and much more. ClutchFans has been bringing fans together to talk Houston Sports since 1996. Join us!

Free agency

Discussion in 'Houston Texans' started by sydmill, Nov 17, 2023.

  1. deb4rockets

    deb4rockets Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    24,986
    Likes Received:
    32,242
    Agree. We need better pass coverage. I got sick and tired of watching 2nd string QB's put up 300 yards on us because our pass coverage was so lame. It was ridiculous. Any decent WR can put up 100 yards with CJ, but a great cornerback or pass rusher could really be a difference maker. We do need a better RB though, and I hope we draft or sign someone healthy to up our running game threat. I would still like an O-Line stub for depth. Our O-Line crumbled like glass with the injury bug.
     
    astros123 likes this.
  2. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Messages:
    19,925
    Likes Received:
    31,270
    The only offensive line players that grade out better than "replaceable" by PFF metrics are Laremy Tunsil and Shaq Mason healthy or not.

    Could you link the DL rankings on sacks by year? I cant seem to find it and know for sure that overall this year doesnt rank as one of the better years overall in total sacks. Its fascinating that this years DL registered the most sacks when I think of some of the Watt era DLs. Count me as one of the few crazies that would throw a blank check at Chris Jones for 3 years.
     
    raining threes and houstonstime like this.
  3. red5rocket

    red5rocket Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2008
    Messages:
    11,406
    Likes Received:
    14,867
    Keep in mind, Tytus Howard was playing out of position. He's an ok LG but a good RT.

    I'd love Chris Jones but I just don't see the Texans spending on him or anyone in that pay area. Even if it's our own. Unless it's CJ.
     
    Verbal Christ likes this.
  4. El_Conquistador

    El_Conquistador King of the D&D, The Legend, #1 Ranking

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2002
    Messages:
    15,622
    Likes Received:
    6,590
    I would supplement the RB position through the draft and not through free agency. When you start to have questions about a running back's ability to continue to produce, then the downhill descent has already begun. Saquon, Derek Henry, Dalvin Cook are examples... LeVeon Bell is an example from a few years ago. The worst use of money possible is an aging RB. Don't do it!

    Recently, we've seen the impact of elite WRs when they changed teams. AJ Brown and Tyreek Hill both led turnarounds at their new teams. If there is an elite, younger WR to be had, then that's on the table for me.

    Other than that, let's find veteran talent who have playoff experience. We can never have enough D-linemen... and we may need to supplement the safety position.
     
  5. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Messages:
    19,925
    Likes Received:
    31,270
    Couldnt agree more with Tytus playing on the outside. Im fine with keeping things static there and I do anticipate some growth from the young players, but would feel even better if we sign one more competent IOL player.

    We are on the clock with CJs extension. Its going to be a WHOPPER. Why not just splurge for these next few years on players that can move the needle? I get having to resign our own guys, and we dont even know what the DeMeco/CJ dynamic has in store for us with players CHOOSING Houston in free agency on value type contracts, but getting some difference makers vs depth players would be the best use of asset management. I totally appreciate sensible, long term thinking, but Im ready to go for it. It has never lined up for us like this in the past. Its time.
     
    Phillyrocket and red5rocket like this.
  6. Scarface281

    Scarface281 Member

    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2009
    Messages:
    10,111
    Likes Received:
    4,690
    Agreed. This is why I'm still on the sign Evans train despite Nico breaking out because Evans, a WR who has had 1k+ yards for the past 10 years (some with terrible QBs) would really open this offense up with a healthy Nico + Dell. Texans can find the Noah Browns or Metchies in free agency again or later in the draft.

    To me the draft needs to be defense, O-Line, and a RB if Evans is signed. Texans need to go all out the next 2-3 seasons before CJ is made the highest paid QB in NFL history.
     
  7. Marshall Bryant

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2018
    Messages:
    10,483
    Likes Received:
    6,215
    ??????
    24M/yr for Evans or $17M/yr for Ridley?
    What I'd like to see:
    TE
    LT Tunsil
    LG Mason
    C Van Pran
    RG Ky Green
    RT Howard

    with strong rotation players Scruggs, Kd Green, Patterson and Zieror. Many OL are FAs in 2024. First time Starters should have to earn it. Weight left side to pass protection and right side to run production.

    It will be interesting to see how a year in the system helps both the vets and the ability to help new guys get up to speed.
     
  8. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Messages:
    19,925
    Likes Received:
    31,270
    Big Mike would feast in this offense and it makes a ton of sense for both sides, but he would have to be mindful of the numbers and any big money we take in needs to come off the books by 2027 if we decide to wait that long on CJ. I still think the WR room is pretty tough as-is and think we could find a fresh set of legs in rounds 3-4, but if Mike is coming home on a discount sign me up.

    I know DL overperformed when looking at raw stats. I think most of that came from the scheme (also in terms of being run stoppers scheme>talent) and cant help but fantasize about a player like Chris Jones in the middle commanding double teams and giving you 10+ sacks from the interior. Caserio will be a busy guy this offseason.
     
    deb4rockets and astrosrule like this.
  9. Fulgore

    Fulgore Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Messages:
    18,324
    Likes Received:
    18,501
    Barkley in this offense could be similar to CMC. If you can get an elite offensive weapon like that for cheap you jump all over it.
     
  10. deb4rockets

    deb4rockets Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    24,986
    Likes Received:
    32,242
    Chris Jones would be a dream sign over anyone. I'd love it, but won't get my hopes up. As for next on my wish list, I would still rather sign a free agent CB over a WR. Didn't you get sick of seeing second string quarterbacks feast on our secondary? They were setting personal records against us many times. CJ didn't have a problem throwing over 4,100 yards, so I'd say our receiving core is far less deficient than our secondary. I doubt we sign a FA WR and CB, so I'd prefer a CB simply based on what we need most. We should be able to snag some WR in the draft too.
     
    #230 deb4rockets, Jan 8, 2024
    Last edited: Jan 8, 2024
    Verbal Christ likes this.
  11. deb4rockets

    deb4rockets Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    24,986
    Likes Received:
    32,242
    Do you think we could get draft picks or a good player for Pierce in a trade? He just isn't doing well in this system. Somebody else might want him.
     
  12. sydmill

    sydmill Member

    Joined:
    Jun 9, 2002
    Messages:
    2,274
    Likes Received:
    2,249
    Hot takes:

    Oline: Injuries have decimated what I think is a pretty good position group. I would roll the dice on a guy in the 3rd or 4th as depth with an eye to develop them into more but otherwise Im good with what we have (if healthy). I think.

    Skill positions: I think the Texans need skill players to help Stroud. I really, really, REALLY like Brian Thomas Jr.as a guy who can play opposite Nico and maybe replace him if it came to that. I also like AD Mitchell as a consolation prize for similar reasons. Emeka Egbuka would be a nice compliment to Nico if we think Nico is that guy and want to keep him around long term. As far as RB is concerned, I dont want to spend a lot of cap space or devote a high pick to that position. A guy I think I like a lot is Jaylen Wright out of Tennessee. 6', 200-210 with 4.3 speed who has experience in a zone scheme in the SEC sounds like the type of dude the Texans should be looking for. Schultz is a must re-sign for me at TE (though Id also target someone in the draft like Cade Stover).

    Defense: I'd probably try and add a prospect or 2 from the draft to the D but think the vast majority of the available cap space would be spent on the defense if it were me. In brief, I would re-sign our guys who performed well in Demeco's scheme and then add someone like T'Vondre Sweat in round 2 and then sign Antoine Winfield from Tampa Bay to team with Pitre at Safety.
     
    Shark44, ApolloRLB and Rudyc281 like this.
  13. houstonstime

    houstonstime Member

    Joined:
    Jun 10, 2014
    Messages:
    4,644
    Likes Received:
    4,909
    We have spent so much draft and financial capital on the OLine. Let’s see what an off-season of gelling and getting healthy does. DLine sign Greenard or swing for fences with Chris Jones, Wilkins, or Hunter.

    I’d say EITHER get Barkley and draft a WR or get Evans/Higgins and draft a RB. But my preference is Barkley and draft a WR because the WR class is ridiculously stacked compared to RB.
     
    Porkasaurus85 and Rudyc281 like this.
  14. raining threes

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    18,832
    Likes Received:
    13,597
    You dont like Stingley/Nelson/King?

    I do agree they could could upgrade their pass rush and they also need depth at the edge position, which Barnett and to a certain extent Sanders has provided..

    Where the defense is really weak in pass defense is the S position and they need another coverage LB.
     
  15. deb4rockets

    deb4rockets Member
    Supporting Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2013
    Messages:
    24,986
    Likes Received:
    32,242
    I do like Stingley and Nelson. We could probably use someone better than King though. If he finally gets an interception this week I might change my mind.
     
    raining threes likes this.
  16. raining threes

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2008
    Messages:
    18,832
    Likes Received:
    13,597
    I would let Greenard and Rankins walk if that money meant I could sign Chris Jones.
     
    Verbal Christ likes this.
  17. Buck Turgidson

    Joined:
    Feb 14, 2002
    Messages:
    101,131
    Likes Received:
    103,618
    lol
     
    raining threes likes this.
  18. Verbal Christ

    Verbal Christ Member

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2009
    Messages:
    19,925
    Likes Received:
    31,270
    With Barnett flashing and playing on a prove it deal you can make it work. Texans themselves can be choosy and will have a bunch of guys wanting to play here. We wont need to overpay marginal players like in years past. Maybe Greenard decides to stay on a team friendly deal vs chasing the money. A guy like Chris Jones makes the LBs and back end better by virtue of the attention he requires and the havoc he creates in the backfield.

    Caserio is in the drivers seat.
     
    Rudyc281 likes this.
  19. red5rocket

    red5rocket Member

    Joined:
    Jun 27, 2008
    Messages:
    11,406
    Likes Received:
    14,867
    Who's your DE opposite WAJ?
     
  20. Rudyc281

    Rudyc281 Member

    Joined:
    Jun 23, 2011
    Messages:
    11,821
    Likes Received:
    9,518
    This!

    I want Saquan and draft a CB/WR

    I really like that DeJean kid from Iowa

    Our DBs still need some added talent

    And I think we can draft a solid WR in the 2nd
     
    houstonstime likes this.

Share This Page

  • About ClutchFans

    Since 1996, ClutchFans has been loud and proud covering the Houston Rockets, helping set an industry standard for team fan sites. The forums have been a home for Houston sports fans as well as basketball fanatics around the globe.

  • Support ClutchFans!

    If you find that ClutchFans is a valuable resource for you, please consider becoming a Supporting Member. Supporting Members can upload photos and attachments directly to their posts, customize their user title and more. Gold Supporters see zero ads!


    Upgrade Now