New Texans (FA/Trade)

[Arky]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

......

As for Newton and Jackson, similar stories. They were shitty for a few years and were (statistically at least) above average last year. So, why the improvement? Better coaching? Better focus? Contract years? The Texans gambled that they will still play at their 2014 levels instead of their 2012-13 levels. When you look at the markets at these positions, it's hard to argue with re-signing them but I sure hope the difference was better coaching.

Whelp, looking back, IMO, KJ should have stayed in college for his final year but like a lot of young fellas, he couldn't resist the cash grab so he came out his junior year. In the NFL it seems, playing cornerback is one of the largest leaps (college --> NFL). Seen it many times: a young CB struggles only to eventually turn into a decent player. I remember during the height of his (KJ) struggles that Kubiak would answer the critics with a "yeah, but he's a tough kid" and that was needed during his rough early years. They put him a sink or swim situation and he looked bad all too often but eventually became a pretty good CB. It would have been a shame to let all that development/OJT hit the road....

Newton was somewhat similar: over his head early but received so much real game experience that he couldn't help but get better. He also played through injury quite often and I remember him limping at times, especially in 2013. Yet, the Texans kept trotting him out there..... I suppose because he was the best they had....

At any rate, I think you gotta call these two "core signings".....

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Arky

In the NFL it seems, playing cornerback is one of the largest leaps (college --> NFL). Seen it many times: a young CB struggles only to eventually turn into a decent player. I remember during the height of his (KJ) struggles that Kubiak would answer the critics with a "yeah, but he's a tough kid" and that was needed during his rough early years. They put him a sink or swim situation and he looked bad all too often but eventually became a pretty good CB......

Great observation. Every year there's "Lockdown" Corner in the draft who goes first round and disappoints. They're decent, but not like Revis. Antoine Cason is a FA this year who would fall into this example.

[barrett]

Jackson has been good for years after a terrible rookie year and a slightly disappointing 2nd year.

So far I have agreed with every player we let go, and I have agreed with every player we brought back. The veterans are out and the contracts are going to guys in their 20s. This is what needs to happen for a team that will not win a superbowl this year.