All contracts carry inherent risks; very few veterans, when they sign deals, have their primes in front of them. All three of those deals were risky, as was Brown's - but I don't think they were irresponsible deals, and I certainly don't think they were indefensible. They were a good team with a spotty draft record... keeping a successful core intact - while ensuring a shorter shelf life - nonetheless is a sound position if your personnel department is not very good.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>BREAKING: The Texans make a move in free agency. They've signed DT Jerrell Powe, formerly of the KC Chiefs.... <a href="http://t.co/dmCobTjTru">http://t.co/dmCobTjTru</a></p>— SportsTalk 790 (@SportsTalk790) <a href="https://twitter.com/SportsTalk790/statuses/446024609566322690">March 18, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
In the real world? No. But on Sports Radio 610 they'll discuss it every segment, look at from multiple perspectives, play "what if?" scenarios, bring in guests with insight on his play, find commentary on him, read you his draft grade and analysis, etc... you're looking at a solid 75hrs of on air content for some guy that John McClain will claim is a difference maker, diamond in the rough find.
It's a good depth move, and it gives the Texans at least 1 person on the roster who is actually the size of a true NT for the first time in years.
That's interesting, my first thought was that he wouldn't be anything worth a damn, but at least he's shown SOME potential upside. No matter what, at least he has the size of a proper NT and if nothing more he can make people run around him.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Arian Foster to me when asked what fans should expect from the Texans this coming season: "They can expect whatever they want...</p>— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/statuses/446350810260471808">March 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>"You can't work through other's expectations. We expect to win. That's what we work for." More on my conversation with Foster to come.</p>— mike freeman (@mikefreemanNFL) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikefreemanNFL/statuses/446351008424538113">March 19, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kendrick Lewis joins the Texans, he announces on Twitter</p>— Aaron Wilson (@RavensInsider) <a href="https://twitter.com/RavensInsider/statuses/447111329833566209">March 21, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Thanks KC for 4 good years! Now on to the next chapter of my life and my new home Houston Texas!</p>— Kendrick Lewis (@klewis23) <a href="https://twitter.com/klewis23/statuses/447109911512481792">March 21, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Proudest Big Sister ever <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Lewyoudeserveit&src=hash">#Lewyoudeserveit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/klewis23">@klewis23</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a> <a href="http://t.co/JOCp7w3gaw">pic.twitter.com/JOCp7w3gaw</a></p>— Kay7Lou (@DaGurl_Klew23) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaGurl_Klew23/statuses/447109052909498368">March 21, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>After Schaub deal Bill O'Brien <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a> era projects to begin with 10 draft picks. 3 in Top 65. Should get 2 5th-rd comp picks (Barwin/Quin).</p>— Evan Silva (@evansilva) <a href="https://twitter.com/evansilva/statuses/447435098267189248">March 22, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
10 picks in a loaded draft... Very nice. Between this year's draft and next year's draft and free agency, they should be able to turn things around pretty quickly.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Texans&src=hash">#Texans</a> get compensatory picks in 4th RD (35-135), 6th RD (35-211) and 7th RD (41-265)</p>— James Palmer (@JPalmerCSN) <a href="https://twitter.com/JPalmerCSN/statuses/448220559227486208">March 24, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Remember when many wanted Nick Fairley? Myself included Detroit Lions trying to motivate Nick Fairley, decline his 2015 contract option Great call Rick Smith, Wade Phillips, Gary Kubiak, Cal McNair, Bob McNair, Bill Kollar or whoever was calling the shots!
So how many total picks is that? 12? Obviously there will be some moving and shaking but man if scouted properly, we're in one heck of a position to really turn this team around