Could new Texans tight end Darren Fells help with pass protection?

The Houston Texans signed former Cleveland Browns tight end Darren Fells to a one-year contract Monday.

While the 6-7, 270-pound converted basketball player may not be prolific in the passing game as a pass-catcher with only 68 catches in 70 games, he could be a secret weapon to the Texans’ pass protection. According to Pro Football Focus, Fells has been solid in his pass protection over the past four seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Detroit Lions, and Browns.

Fells will also help with pass protection, as his 72.9 pass-blocking grade in 2018 was 16.9 points higher than the best Texans' tight end. In fact, Fells has only posted a pass-blocking grade under 70 once in his five-year career.

— PFF HOU Texans (@PFF_Texans) March 19, 2019

Fells was also part of a Browns blocking unit that allowed quarterback Baker Mayfield to take just three sacks over the final seven games. While the offensive line had a bigger part than Fells, the former UC Irvine product has shown the ability to be a part of the solution. Quarterback Deshaun Watson can use all the help he can get when it comes to pass protection after taking a league-leading 62 sacks in 2018.