http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/sports/3064372 Club content to let 17 free agents shop for deals By CARLTON THOMPSON Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle The door is open for the Texans' remaining 17 free agents. Whether it proves to be a revolving door will be determined over the next several days and weeks as 12 unrestricted free agents and five restricted free agents weigh the Texans against the rest of the NFL. The free-agent signing period officially began at 11 p.m. Tuesday night, but the real action kicks off today when free agents can start visiting and/or signing with new teams. The Texans appear ready to give all of their free agents a chance to shop for deals with other teams, although they have the right to match offers for restricted free agents Jarrod Baxter, Milford Brown, Troy Evans, Matt Murphy and Jonathan Wells. It's more of a dice roll with the unrestricted free agents, including starters Seth Payne, Corey Bradford and Moran Norris. Payne's agent said Monday he expected his client to take visits, and on Tuesday, Bradford said his agent was expecting to hear from the Texans once more before the deadline. But as of Tuesday evening, Bradford had not heard anything. "If we get an offer that we like, that would be great. But if not, I'll take some visits," Bradford said. "I'm really not too worried. I just want opportunities. Opportunity is the word of the year for me." Over the past two years, Bradford has made no secret of his desire to be more involved in the Texans' offense. After having a career year with 45 catches for 697 yards and six touchdowns in 2002, Bradford has seen his role in the offense decrease since the arrival of Andre Johnson in 2003. Despite averaging 17.3 yards per reception, Bradford has just 51 catches and seven touchdowns over the past two seasons. ON THE MARKET Some of the Texans who will test free agency include: Tony Banks QB Corey Bradford WR Jerry Deloach DE Moran Norris FB Seth Payne NT "After the season, they told me that if I came back I would get more opportunities," Bradford said. "But I'm more of an action guy. You have to show me." Although Bradford is likely to visit other teams, his dream scenario is helping to finish what he helped start as an original member of the Texans. "I told my agent that I want the Texans to be our first option," he said. "I think I'll have a lot of options out there, but we have something good going on here, and I'd like to be a part of that. But I'm not nervous about going into free agency. I was the first time (in 2002), but I'm not nervous now." The Texans have averaged three new starters through free agency since 2002, but they aren't likely to be as active in the top-level market this offseason. General manager Charley Casserly repeatedly has said the team will not be a major player in free agency, preferring instead to continue building through the draft and developing the young players already on the roster. The Texans could use help on both lines, at linebacker and at receiver. They also need depth in the secondary. The upcoming draft is deep at cornerback and receiver, and there are some early-round options as far as players who might be effective pass-rushing outside linebackers in a 3-4 scheme. While Casserly hasn't ruled out free agency altogether, it appears the Texans have decided the most efficient and cost-effective way to improve their team is to place the majority of their focus on the draft.
