We all know who the quarterback is for the Houston Texans, but after starter Deshaun Watson there is not another option. Texans general manager Brian Gaine needs to have a reliable backup in case Watson goes down. Let’s take a look at three free agent quarterback that could help the Texans.
Robert Griffin
The former Washington 2012 first-round pick out of Baylor is perfect for behind Watson. The similarities and skill sets are very similar for the Texans offense. Griffin would be an excellent signing and at 29 years old signing him to a friendly deal to come back to Texas is possible. Griffin has a career completion percentage of 63.2 and has 42 career touchdowns with only 26 interceptions. After the ACL tear sustained near the end of his rookie season, his career was never really the same, but Griffin does have the ability to be a solid backup. One thing to mention is Griffin has never had a wide receiver like DeAndre Hopkins to throw to as well. Considering he obviously won’t start for Houston, Gaine should make this signing happen and provide depth in Texans quarterback group.
AJ McCarron
Recently released from the Oakland Raiders, McCarron could be a nice pick up for the Houston Texans. The 28-year-old former Alabama star quarterback has shown flashes in his five-year career as an NFL quarterback but has never really gotten the chance to break out. Now coming to the Texans his chances of breaking out are slim with franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson at the helm for a long time, McCarron could be a solid option as the backup. When given limited opportunities the former 2014 fourth-round pick for the Cincinnati Bengals has 928 passing yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions. Not setting the world on fire but as a cheap backup, McCarron could be a great fit in Houston.
Geno Smith
Another college star quarterback that could help the Texans as a backup. The former second-rounder is 28 years old and has experience as a starter in the NFL. Smith’s rushing yards his first two seasons as an NFL starter is what stands out and could benefit the Texans if Watson were to get injured. The former New York Jet has a career 661 yards rushing and seven rushing touchdowns. On the flip side, Smiths passing touchdowns to interceptions is the issue. With 29 passing touchdowns to 36 interceptions, Smith has to be better. Smith would still be a nice addition but only if Smith were to take a very cheap deal.
With not a whole lot of options left in the free agent market for quarterbacks, Gaine may have to act sooner rather than later.
