New Texans (FA/Trade)
 

Taking a cursory look at the roster and around the league I wanted to discuss some needs and potential players to fill them. I am not sure how much weight I put into Ryan Mallet or any of the draft prospects. So, once again I'm advocating the trade with the Giants in order to get Ryan Nassib. He is stuck behind Eli Manning and perhaps the Giants would be willing to deal. Next, the NT position is questionable with Louis Nix, so I would see what Dan William's price tag would be. In addition, I am really looking for a ILB to play on third down and would suggest Sean Weatherspoon. We are in the market for a WR even if we draft one with the departure of Andre, so Brian Hartline makes sense to me.

CB Brandon Flowers, S Rahim Moore, TE Jordan Cameron and G Justin Blaylock would be great complimentary players.

Not sure Nassib brings anything a rookie or Savage couldn't bring. I think they'd have a hard time trading for a guy that has zero NFL game tape.

Speaking of trades, look on MFL. I sent you couple offers. LOL. :)

Nassib has a couple of years in the NFL. He appeared to have better pocket presence at Syracuse than anything these college prospects have shown me. He has displayed better accuracy and decision making skills (during preseason games) than either Mallet or Savage, in my opinion. Having zero NFL regular season snaps, makes him attainable, in my estimation.

I have questions about Mallett, but I doubt that Nassib would fair any better next year. I think we will resign Mallett and target another guy in the draft....someone like Petty.

We are in the market for a WR even if we draft one with the departure of Andre, so Brian Hartline makes sense to me.

- Just saw a report that the Texans had a meeting with Hartline today :)

Hartline is 6ft2in, 200 lbs will be 29 this next season, only had 39 receptions this past year while making about 6 mil.

Doesn't sound like no. 1 WR? Maybe plenty other WR a couple years younger available as FA?

Randall Cobb would be great on the team, but suspect the competition for him will be heavy and expensive.

Hartline is a possession receiver, which is basically what Andre was in 2014. Compare Hartline's 2013 to Andre's 2014... fairly similar.

Texans have a #1 WR already... used a first round pick on him even. His name is DeAndre Hopkins. This offense, especially with an inexperienced QB, doesn't need another wide. It needs a better TE and/or an actual slot, neither of which would cost a first round pick necessarily.

Randall Cobb would be an awesome add, but how much of the team's salary cap do we want tied up in WR? Pedestrian, usable WRs in the mold of Hartline (and, ahem, Posey) are always available to supplement guys like Hopkins.

If not Hartline, then I would like Harry Douglas or Eddie Royal. With the QB situation unanswered, attracting Free Agents might be more difficult and more expensive than for other teams with an established QB.

As for the TE position, is there anything out there who could come close to filling the Gronkowski role in this Offense? Clive Walford is the only draft prospect who intrigues me.

@AdamSchefter: Texans reached a 5-year agreement with Derek Newton, per league source.

@taniaganguli: Newton's contract will include $10 million in guarantees and around $13 million in the first two years of the 5 year deal. #Texans

@PatDStat: Not a bad deal of Newton. 5 years for a little above $25 million. #Texans

@RapSheet: Big numbers for #Texans OT Derek Newton: 5 years at $26.5M with $10M guaranteed. $13.75M in first 2 years and $17M in first 3 years

@McClain_on_NFL: Texans making run at WR Randall Cobb and Jeremy Mackin to replace Andre Johnson. Expect them 2 target Torrey Smith, 2.

@McClain_on_NFL: Don't b surprised if Wilfork reunited with Crennel and O'Brien if price is right. He and Crennel are real close.

I am not a big fan of Newton, but we can't expect to field a Fantasy football team with an All-Pro at every position. The contract seems reasonable. I am excited to hear we are persuing Maclin and Cobb, waiting to hear if we can sign either. I wanted to draft Wilfork in 2004, not sure how much he has left in the tank. His leadership and production should be better than we got when we signed Ed Reed.

CB Kareem Jackson locked up for four years. So, that's reassuring. Hopefully, he continues to improve.

@PatDStat: Kareem Jackson getting $8.5 a season with $20 million guaranteed per @taniaganguli. #Texans

@RavensInsider: Kareem Jackson four-year, $34 million deal has $20.5M in first two years, $9M bonus, $4M roster bonus, $1M base 2015, $6.5M 2016, per source

NFL Media reports the Texans are pursuing QB Brian Hoyer (Browns):

I'm hoping Texans can resign Brooks Reed. I think he was 12th in nfl in QB hits and QB hurries. Steady play and can play both inside and outside as well as special teams.

I'm glad Newton and Jackson resigned. Good players and help with consistency.

IMO, they're jacking with Mallett with this "leak."
Games people play this time of the year.

At least I hope so.....

I'd rather have the unknown with Mallett than the known with Hoyer.

Guess you missed the reports on the radio yesterday from Reed's agent that the Texans do not appear to be trying to resign Reed. Agents said that Reed was likely done as a Texan.

Doesn't mean he doesn't sign here much later if he doesn't get the type offer he is expecting.

And I am glad with the two big signing's, now I wonder if the shoe drops on J-Joe. Either a pay cut or out right release.

Also when does the AJ release happen? The money could come in handy.

Lastly please get Mallett under contract so we can sign a FA WR, or TE of note.

As I've said, Newton was borderline great last year. He was a crucial re-sign. I have no idea what he'll be like as a veteran in the first year of a new contract. I suppose we'll see how much he likes football.

And I do hope the team signs Hartline. Not because he's good, of course. He sucks. But so Bob has an impetus to grouse about his favorite play. That never gets old, just like the left handed quarterback.