The Houston Texans have $77.96 million in salary cap space according to Over The Cap. While Annie Lennox may tell us that “Money Can’t Buy It,” money can sure solve problems and initiate upgrades for an 11-5 team that won the AFC South despite a 0-3 start.
Yes, the Texans have to make decisions when it comes to re-signing safety Tyrann Mathieu and how committed they want to be with edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney. However, just because they have to make these decisions doesn’t mean they need to be cheap at running back in free agency.
Yes, Zach Zenner of the Detroit Lions will be a free agent. Yes, Latavius Murray of the Minnesota Vikings will be available. However, the Texans don’t need that type of production. They already have members of committee and backups in D’Onta Foreman and even Buddy Howell. One could argue that Lamar Miller, even as chair of the committee, is nothing more than a placeholder for someone bigger.
The Texans need an impact player at running back. They need the running game to complement quarterback Deshaun Watson and take the pressure off of him. Part of the reason he suffered 62 sacks, the most in the NFL in 2018, is because the onus was on him every game to move the offense. If Watson couldn’t make things happen, then it was curtains, as was the case in the 21-7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC wild-card game at NRG Stadium.
Houston needs to be thinking Le’Veon Bell. They need to evaluate whether Adrian Peterson had his one last hurrah or if he really is rejuvenated. Speaking of rejuvenation, how about ageless wonder Frank Gore; what more does he have to offer? Can Tevin Coleman build upon his 1,000-plus scrimmage yards in a new city?
And if there is no one in free agency at the top tier the Texans think can help the team, then they need to pass. The Spencer Wares of the world won’t kick start the running game, and they could get that same level of production from Howell, a draft pick, or even an undrafted free agent practice squad phenom.
