The Houston Texans more than likely won’t pursue any free agent offensive line help this offseason. However, the club does have $74 million in salary cap space, giving them ample capital to sign any that catch their attention. Here are four free agent offensive linemen that could help the Texans.
OT daryl Williams
Williams didn’t really have a 2018 campaign as he struggled with a dislocated right kneecap and tore his MCL. However, he soldiered on and started Week 1 versus the Dallas Cowboys. Williams was sidelined and later placed on injured reserve after the 16-8 win. The Texans would have to do their homework on how the injury would affect the 26-year-old, but his 6-6, 335-pound frame ought to be able to help protect quarterback Deshaun Watson on the outside. Williams managed to earn a second-team All-Pro selection in 2017.
ot ja’wuan james
Even though James told Laremy Tunsil that everything will work out, the fact he is James is a free agent and is eligible to be courted by teams come March 11 when negotiations begin. The complication is the Texans already consider Seantrel Henderson their starting right tackle, the position that James has played his entire career with the Miami Dolphins since they drafted him in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft. If nothing else, he could replace Henderson at right tackle, allowing the former Buffalo Bill to be the club’s swing tackle as they determine who will start at left tackle between Martinas Rankin and Julién Davenport.
ot trent brown
If the Texans wanted a veteran presence to immediately start at left tackle and never look back, Brown would be the best bet. The former 2015 seventh-round pick for the San Francisco 49ers spent last season with the New England Patriots and his free agent stock is through the roof. No doubt he will be the most coveted free agent offensive lineman. At 6-8, 380 pounds, he is a mountain of man. Superstar edge rusher Von Miller has stated numerous times that Brown is a much better pass protector than he gets credit for, and that was when he was with the 49ers. A Bastrop, Texas, native, no doubt Brown would love to play closer to home.
OG RODGER SAFFOLD
The Texans are already swamped with veterans at guard with Senio Kelemete, Zach Fulton, and Greg Mancz. However, adding Saffold would be a sure thing at that spot. It would give the team flexibility to determine who among that trio is worthy of sticking around for 2019. Saffold helped open up holes for, not only running back Todd Gurley, but late addition running back C.J. Anderson for the Los Angeles Rams’ playoff run. If the Rams let Saffold walk, Houston should at least make a phone call.
