February 17, 2014
Next Challenge: Free Agency
by Bob Hulsey

When General Manager Rick Smith crafted the Texans roster before the season, he was attempting to hold onto a lot of top players from a playoff contender. He's now saddled with a lot of long-term contracts on a 2-14 team that cleaned house on the coaching staff.

Now they must figure out how to do the same with the roster. There's precious little salary cap room and the Texans will likely pay for the top overall pick in the May draft.

Only three key players are up for free agency - reserve running back Ben Tate, left guard Wade Smith (age 33 in 2014) and defensive lineman Antonio Smith (age 32). It would not be a shock if all three are cut loose along with a host of bit players including linebackers Darryl Sharpton and Joe Mays, tight end Garrett Graham and nose tackle Earl Mitchell.

If any return, it will be because the Texans released a major contract with guaranteed money such as quarterback Matt Schaub, running back Arian Foster, tight end Owen Daniels or cornerback Jonathan Joseph. Not all of these will save the Texans as much cap room as you might think and, should they happen, they might not come until June 1st to spread the cap hit between 2014 and 2015.

With new offensive and defensive schemes under head coach Bill O'Brien and defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel, few jobs should be considered safe.

Speaking of 2015, the Texans are also going to need to find room for J.J. Watt's contract extension while the balloon years in Andre Johnson's contract will kick in. But that is a headache for next year.

The Texans will need to cut their payroll under the salary cap by March 11 when the new "NFL year" begins. Expect the losses to add up to more than the new signings. Whomever the Texans add in the draft, whether it be defensive lineman Jadeveon Clowney or one of several quarterback possibilities, will likely be the headliner of the off-season additions.

PermaLink or

© Copyright 2014...In the Bullseye is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the actual Houston Texans franchise. It's a non-commercial website for the enjoyment of football fans and is not intended for any other purpose. For legitimate content on the team, its operations and its actions, please visit its official site.