The Houston Texans were busy on Saturday inking punter Bryan Anger and outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus to contract extensions. While Anger and Mercilus were worthy of extensions, there are three of their teammates who need them just as expeditiously.
1. lb dylan cole
Even though the former 2017 undrafted free agent from Missouri State is out for the season with an ACL injury, if Deshaun Watson isn’t evidence enough, players can recover from those injuries and still play at a high level. Cole was voted a special teams captain at the beginning of the season, which indicates a level of trust and respect among his peers in the locker room. It also means that he is a cornerstone player that can enforce coach Bill O’Brien’s mandates. For a player who fell through the draft, getting that second contract would be the elation he missed on draft day.
2. rb carlos hyde
There is a huge degree of ambiguity at running back for the Texans in 2020. Even if Lamar Miller hadn’t torn his ACL in the third preseason game, he would still be on expiring deal. Carlos Hyde, who the Texans traded for on Aug. 31, is also on an expiring contract. What does Houston have behind Hyde? Duke Johnson and Karan Higdon, an undrafted free agent. There isn’t much. Hyde at least provides the Texans some security and also O’Brien some familiarity as he trusts veterans more than younger players.
3. dt d.j. reader
The former Clemson Tiger earned a Pro Bowl alternate for his 52 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 13 quarterback hits, and six tackles for loss through 15 starts. Reader is a presence in the interior of the defensive line that helps defensive end J.J. Watt as he can take advantage of any help that’s shifted towards Reader. Furthermore, Reader is a guy O’Brien has said for years doesn’t get the recognition he deserves.
