As of 3:00 p.m. Central Time Monday, free agents that the Houston Texans sign won’t count against their compensatory pick formula for 2021. That means the second wave of free agency is here.
The Texans are still filling out their 90-man roster, and coach and general Bill O’Brien believes that 2020 will be an offseason that favors veterans. Here are three free agents the Texans should sign.
1. CB Darqueze Dennard
Cincinnati decided to go in a different direction with their cornerbacks. The former 2014 first-round pick from Michigan State played in nine games last year, starting in five of them, and producing 37 tackles and five pass breakups. Dennard could add a veteran presence to the Texans’ secondary, and the ability to play inside or outside. Even with a crowded cornerback room, there could be a place for Denanrd, and he would bring experience.
2. OLB Markus Golden
The Texans need help beefing up their pass rush, and Golden would provide the opportunity to meet that need. The former Arizona Cardinal and New York Giant provided 10.0 sacks for Big Blue in 16 starts. Golden would not need to be the main pass rusher in Houston as he could work alongside defensive end J.J. Watt and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus.
3. WR Taylor Gabriel
In an offseason that will favor veterans over rookies, at least in Bill O’Brien’s opinion, the Texans ought to add the 29-year-old receiver. Gabriel can be a complementary target alongside Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller, Kenny Stills, and Randall Cobb. Gabriel played in nine games last season and caught 29 passes for 353 yards and four touchdowns for the Chicago Bears. The former Brown, Falcon, and Bear could add depth at a position that could get hit with injuries in 2020.
