NFL free agency is finally beginning to die down after a manic first week. With hallmark stars moving left and right in big money moves, the Houston Texans have remained relatively quiet amidst the chaos — to the annoyance of many of their fans.
However, despite many of the big stars being off the market, some quality players do still remain available should the Texans chose to take a risk, and here are three of the best free agents left available who would help this current Texans team.
TE JARED COOK
The Texans situation at tight end is a tricky one. While on the surface they have little need for yet another body, with the experienced Ryan Griffin, and two second-year ends Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins all currently available, rumors surrounding the Texans bringing in another TE this offseason have yet to die down, and in fact some mock drafts have them taking TE T.J. Hockensen in the first round.
If it proves true that Bill O’Brien is indeed on the lookout for a replacement for one of their ends, likely Akins, look no further than former Oakland Raider Jared Cook. The 31-year-old has been in the league since 2009 and actually reached his first Pro Bowl last season. Having played no less than 10 games in each of his 10 seasons to date, health isn’t a real issue with Cook. And just a few months out of his best season to date, where he recorded 896 yards and six touchdowns, he is as reliable a TE as you are likely to find.
WR Chris Hogan
Maybe not a player that strikes fear into the heart of defenses, but certainly a reliable pair of hands who would add good depth to a thin Texans receiving corps. As 2018 wore on, Houston struggled to keep enough receivers on the field, resulting in backup quarterback Joe Webb being lined up opposite DeAndre Hopkins on more than one occasion.
Hogan has been consistent in both Buffalo and New England’s systems over the years, and the 30-year-old has consistently received for over 400-plus yards each of his last five seasons, not something that can be said for many of Houston’s current receivers. He would be a value option as a backup to Will Fuller, who everybody knows has been struggling to stay on the field.
LB JUSTIN HOUSTON
Another veteran, Houston would easily be one of the most aptly named players in the Texans locker room. A four-time Pro Bowler and former first-team All-Pro, the 30-year old would be a great replacement for someone like Whitney Mercilus, who unfortunately has struggled to have the same impact on the field in recent years as in seasons gone by.
Houston’s nine sacks in 2018 were still high by most players standards, especially when considering he only played 12 games. One major reason the Texans may want to consider Houston is that with Jadeveon Clowney’s contract dispute ongoing, he may opt to hold out of the start of the season, and maybe more. As a result, bringing in someone of his caliber to fill the void would limit the effect on this defense.
