The Houston Texans have three young tight ends on the roster in Jordan Akins, Jordan Thomas, and Kahale Warring. However, availability was an issue for Thomas, who missed 11 games for Houston, and Warring, who had his 2019 obliterated as he was placed on injured reserve before his rookie season began.
Houston was fortunate they signed Darren Fells to a one-year contract, and that he produced for the Texans’ passing game in 2019. However, they need to make decisions about their roster as free agency approaches. Here are three free agent tight ends the Texans need to consider when free agency opens up at 3:00 p.m. Central Time on March 18.
1. eric ebron
It isn’t just that he killed the Texans defense in 2018; it’s that in the same year he set the Indianapolis Colts’ franchise record for touchdown receptions by a tight end with 13. Even though Ebron is a Detroit Lions bust and he had a significant drop in production in 2019 with just three touchdowns, much of that can be attributed to the loss of Andrew Luck under center. Quarterback Deshaun Watson helped Fells catch a career-high seven touchdown passes — not bad for the 33-year-old. What could Watson do with Ebron?
2. blake jarwin
The former undrafted tight end from Oklahoma State looked like he would be an adequate replacement for Jason Witten, who retired in the 2018 offseason. Then, Witten came back in 2019, taking the top spot on the depth chart. Jarwin still had the same three touchdowns as the year without Witten, but in 2019, Jarwin caught 31 passes for 365 yards, both career highs. The 6-5, 260-pounder is also good at running the seam, and would not doubt take advantage of the double teams that receiver DeAndre Hopkins sees.
3. darren fells
Ultimately, if there is no one in free agency who looks appealing, why not bring back the 6-7, 270-pound target who proved so valuable to the Texans’ passing game? Fells already has familiarity with the offense and a good connection with Deshaun Watson. It would help the Texans long-term to get better production out of Akins, Thomas, and Warring, but if the same injury issues crop up, at least they can count on Fells.
