The Houston Texans could be in for quite an offseason once Super Bowl LV comes and goes. The struggling AFC South franchise just can't seem to do anything right as of late. Even with the current NFL season not yet over, the Texans have already had a tumultuous start to the offseason while being forced to find both a new head coach and general manager.
With several key players slated to potentially leave Houston before the start of the 2021-22 season, most notably franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, free agency and the 2021 NFL Draft will be absolutely crucial for the Texans this time around. Assuming Watson is traded, the Texans will more than likely be able to draft the team's latest quarterback of the future while then needing to address other roster concerns via the open market.
However, whether it is a rookie signal caller or the aforementioned Watson in place next season, the Texans still need to round out its roster while helping whoever is under center in 2021-22.
Anthony Firkser, Tight End
The Houston Texans will need to upgrade at a variety of positions this offseason, though putting talented players around whoever it is that ultimately becomes the team's starting quarterback should be a top priority for the lowly AFC South franchise. With the Texans not really employing a legitimate weapon at the tight end position as the tandem of Jordan Akins and Darren Fells aren't exactly dangerous in the passing attack, Houston should look to address such an issue this offseason.
With both Akins and Fells currently having just one year left on their respective deals with the latter now in his mid-30s as well, the Texans should look to a unique option and take a chance on Tennessee Titans tight end and soon-to-be free agent Anthony Firkser. With the Titans having more than a few pending free agents that will require retention this time around, perhaps Firkser, who has become a real weapon for Tennessee, will fly under the radar en route to finding a new home. Because Firkser will take a backseat to fellow Titans tight end Jonnu Smith in all likelihood in terms of the team's situation at such a position moving forward, it is entirely likely that the up-and-comer eventually finds a place that he can serve a true No. 1.
It is also worth noting that Firkser is quite the versatile player as he often lines up in the slot for the Titans, a team that employs often injured wide receiver Adam Humphries as well.
T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver
It appears as though the Indianapolis Colts won't be bringing back longtime wide receiver T.Y. Hilton, who has spent his entire NFL playing career as a member of the AFC South franchise. On the other hand, the rival Houston Texans may be able to pull off a two-for-one here as adding Hilton would not only improve its own roster but would also take away from a divisional foe's lineup. With the Texans slated to lose veteran wide out Will Fuller V this offseason, someone is going to have to line up opposite Houston's top target in the passing game in Brandin Cooks.
Again, this comes down to placing reliable targets around either disgruntled quarterback Deshaun Watson or a rookie signal caller. With Cooks still in the mix, that is a solid place to start but not ultimately a position that the Texans can not address. Although there is still the 2021 NFL Draft that may help out with such an issue, the Texans no doubt need another veteran wide out as Hilton can check multiple boxes for Houston.
Of course, Hilton encountered a down season in 2020-21, by his standards anyway, but he remains both a legitimate deep threat and a veteran presence in the locker room. Perhaps the latter is more important in this case as the culture down in Houston continues to go downhill in a hurry. With the Texans in line to lose more than a few veteran players that serve as leaders on this team, Houston is going to have to refill some shoes both on and off the field this offseason. A successful rebuild only occurs if talented and respected players are brought in to lead the charge.
Carl Lawson, Pass Rusher
It has been rumored that the Houston Texans will not only be forced to part ways with superstar quarterback Deshaun Watson this offseason as he is reportedly fed up with the organization, but also that multiple-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and veteran pass rusher J.J. Watt has played his last snaps for the AFC South franchise. With the Texans previously losing fellow pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a trade to the Seattle Seahawks and Watt now apparently having one foot out the door, Houston will have a serious problem along the defensive front moving forward and especially in 2021-22.
Of course, the Texans still employ another stellar pass rusher in Whitney Mercilus, but his presence simply won't be enough to truly compete at the highest level. With that in mind, the Texans can potentially pair Mercilus with Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Carl Lawson, who can fill at least some of the void that may be left behind by Watt. Watt is obviously an irreplaceable player both on and off the field as his presence in the locker room is unmatched, though the addition of Lawson or some other pass rusher will no doubt be a solid place to start for the Texans.
Lawson is slated to become a free agent this offseason after spending his entire four-year NFL playing career in Cincinnati as it stands today. Although his numbers don't necessarily jump off the page as Lawson tallied just 5.5 sacks over the course all 16 regular season games in 2020-21, he appears to be on a serious upswing as his tape definitely puts his talents on full display. His single-season career-best mark in sacks came during his rookie season back in 2017-18 as Lawson registered 8.5 in 16 regular season appearances for the Bengals after a standout stint at Auburn.
Follow Us
Subscribe