Free Agent WRs

[jcp]

I think we can all agree that upgrading WR2 is a priority this offseason. IMO it is the biggest need by a lot. We were largely impotent when AJ went down this year and lets be honest...he's not getting any younger. We've toyed with the idea in another thread with using Mario as leverage to trade up in the draft for a dynamic rookie talent in Blackmon, but in perusing the pending free agent WR's I'm not so sure we aren't better off filling that need through free agency, keep Mario and use the 27th pick to get the best big ugly available.

Below are some of the available WR's:

Wes Welker 31
Dwayne Bowe 27
Mike Wallace (Restricted) 26
Marques Colston 29
Vincent Jackson 29
Steve Johnson 26
DeSean Jackson 25
Reggie Wayne 33
Brandon Lloyd 31
Laurent Robinson 27

In keeping with the preference for youth a guy like DeSean Jackson jumps off the page...instant upgrade at two positions and JJ can try somewhere else. Steve Johnson also could be a nice target. I realize Jackson was a baby in philly this year but if it gets him a ticket outta town I think I'd have to overlook that if he can convince the brass he wants to win a few superbowls here. For the first time we can use serious championship contender as a legitimate sales pitch.

I leave it up to the pro's to work the cap...I feel pretty sure that you drop JJ, sign MW to a back heavy cap friendly contract and tweek or drop a few other contracts you can get the one dynamic WR2 in free agency, keep MW and make Arian happy with a nice extension.

Personally think we have enough pieces in the secondary to go to battle and everything else is really just depth...just what the draft is for.

[nunusguy]

Even though he's been a bit of a problem-child at Philly (none of it off-field I don't think ?), Jackson would be a blockbuster addition for our offense with him and Andre being an awesome combination. And WR FAs don't command that much money in FA do they, not like corners or edge-rushers or blind-side blockers ?
I wonder if there's any chance that the Texans would go for broke in this years Draft a la the move the ATL Falcons pulled off in the 2011-Draft to get their stud WR, Julio Jones ? It's never been the Texans style to make a dramatic Draft move like that, except perhaps with the previous regime with the Jason Babin pick. Maybe Big Bob & Rick will be feeling frisky in April and stun us all with a move way up in position to get Blackmon, the outstanding OK State WR ?

[WMH]

If they sign Mario, Arian, Myers, and Briesel (their "reported" priority order), then that is thier FA. The rest will be 1 yr. deals for stop gap type players.

Just my opinion, but I don't see us being real active outside of our own guys. Economics just aren't there, especially with Mario's nugget.

Now, if they can't re-sign Mario, then yep, they should/likely will have some of these targets in mind. We won't know till March.

[nunusguy]

I think Marios gonna walk. Sure they'd like to keep him, but IMO he's not worth matching the price he'd get on the open-market/FA to the Texans and it's just too problematic for them to tag him and then work out a trade with another team. And this leads me back to my theory that they go big in FA or maybe the Draft for a young WR to combo with AJ now and eventually become the teams #1.

[Keith]

If the Texans are left with enough money to sign one big money free agent, and they have a need at both WR2 and CB2, generally I'd prefer to get the veteran at CB and leave WR to the draft. Short-term, that would probably provide the better results.

Originally Posted by jcp

Wes Welker 31
Dwayne Bowe 27
Mike Wallace (Restricted) 26
Marques Colston 29
Vincent Jackson 29
Steve Johnson 26
DeSean Jackson 25
Reggie Wayne 33
Brandon Lloyd 31
Laurent Robinson 27

Of these guys, the priority skill I'd want in a receiver is someone to stretch the field. Andre Johnson is turning into more of an underneath receiver as he gets older. Since most guys slow down as they age, I think anyone 29 and over is off my wish list.

Wallace is the most appealing, but I imagine there is no chance he really becomes available. I'm skeptical that DeSean is either available or affordable, but he would be attractive. I think the most realistic option listed is Steve Jackson. Buffalo is cheap, and Stevie loves the deep ball. Sign him up.

[Joshua]

While there's no question that as a deep threat and a punt returner, Desean would be a huge upgrade, I would be hesitant with him. As I think Barrett has pointed out, there's just not a lot of balls for the No. 2 receiver in our offense. Not sure how he would react to primarily being a decoy but his history does not make me optimistic. Considering the money he apparently wants, I think I would pass.

I suspect the Texans will go mid-level. For deep threats, someone like Robert Meachum, Harry Douglas, or even Pierre Garcon. Could also see getting an older short-term rental like Reggie Wayne if the price is right. Also, maybe Danny Amendola for slot receiver/punter returner.

Finally, I agree with WMH, I think they concentrate on their own free agents. If we can get Mario, Arian, and Myers signed, it will be an enormously successful offseason.

[HPF Bob]

One thing DeSean Jackson does that the others don't is he *commands* coverage, meaning d-coords will have to account for both he and AJ at *all* times because of his home run potential. But the maturity issues scare me, the same as with Steve Johnson. Knowing McNair's reputation for boy scouts, I don't think Jackson will fit in unless AJ sits on the lad to keep his head straight.

Colston would be my preferred choice here. He is used to being in an offense where the ball gets spread around and is a low-ego guy. He also catches the ball in traffic and runs great routes But Colston is probably a replacement for Walter, not JJ and you JJ-haters are going to be upset if/when that happens. We'd still need JJ as a stretch-the-field option.

Wallace would be a great add but he's restricted so I wouldn't get anyone's hopes raised. Bowe drops too many passes and some of the others are either too slow or are head cases.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

One thing DeSean Jackson does that the others don't is he *commands* coverage, meaning d-coords will have to account for both he and AJ at *all* times because of his home run potential. But the maturity issues scare me, the same as with Steve Johnson. Knowing McNair's reputation for boy scouts, I don't think Jackson will fit in unless AJ sits on the lad to keep his head straight.

Colston would be my preferred choice here. He is used to being in an offense where the ball gets spread around and is a low-ego guy. He also catches the ball in traffic and runs great routes But Colston is probably a replacement for Walter, not JJ and you JJ-haters are going to be upset if/when that happens. We'd still need JJ as a stretch-the-field option.

Wallace would be a great add but he's restricted so I wouldn't get anyone's hopes raised. Bowe drops too many passes and some of the others are either too slow or are head cases.

I agree %100. Of this list I would want Colston. He is big and physical and gives us the kind of body/blocker we look for in a #2, but with far superior receiving skills. He is also a replacement as a #1 if injury again demands it.

Like Bob said though, he is not at all a JJ replacement. But for salary reasons I would just as soon see JJ AND walter released. I think Walter could be cut and brought back on the cheap (or even brought back later in a DA situation, I just don't think he would be as valuable to anyone else as he is to us due to blocking).

But JJ could be easily replaced in the draft. In the age of the spread offense there are a million guys who are great in the slot and return kicks. Maybe there is even another WR/PR/DB/KR/ST guy playing QB for some mid-major and available late in the draft like an Eddleman.

[Keith]

Colston is 29 and is damaged goods. Too much risk for my taste.

[NBT]

The only thing JJ is is a fumble about to happen.

[NBT]

Originally Posted by Joshua

While there's no question that as a deep threat and a punt returner, Desean would be a huge upgrade, I would be hesitant with him. As I think Barrett has pointed out, there's just not a lot of balls for the No. 2 receiver in our offense. Not sure how he would react to primarily being a decoy but his history does not make me optimistic. Considering the money he apparently wants, I think I would pass.

I suspect the Texans will go mid-level. For deep threats, someone like Robert Meachum, Harry Douglas, or even Pierre Garcon. Could also see getting an older short-term rental like Reggie Wayne if the price is right. Also, maybe Danny Amendola for slot receiver/punter returner.

Finally, I agree with WMH, I think they concentrate on their own free agents. If we can get Mario, Arian, and Myers signed, it will be an enormously successful offseason.

The fly in that ointment is that the reason there hasn't been enough balls for anyone except AJ, is probably because there was no other logical choice other than AJ. Walter can't get consistant separation, and JJ can't be counted on to run his route correctly, much less catch the ball. A viable 2nd threat at WR would open up a whole lot of options for the the passing gamethat have not been there before.

[NBT]

If we aren't going to resign Mario anyway, the best thing would be to franchise him so we can trade him for high draft choices, or another veteran, preferably a stud WR/CB.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by NBT

The fly in that ointment is that the reason there hasn't been enough balls for anyone except AJ, is probably because there was no other logical choice other than AJ. Walter can't get consistant separation, and JJ can't be counted on to run his route correctly, much less catch the ball. A viable 2nd threat at WR would open up a whole lot of options for the the passing gamethat have not been there before.

Matt schaub led the NFL in passing with those options. We could use an upgrade, but the reason we don't throw more isn't that we can't. It's that the number of times we run the ball directly corresponds to our chances to win. Trying to open up the passing game is the opposite of what you want to do when you run and defend like we do.

[jcp]

Originally Posted by Keith

If the Texans are left with enough money to sign one big money free agent, and they have a need at both WR2 and CB2, generally I'd prefer to get the veteran at CB and leave WR to the draft. Short-term, that would probably provide the better results.

We'll have to agree to disagree here as I do not think a CB2 is a priority...and I don't think the front office or coaching staff thinks it is either. To me the one clear deficiency on this team is WR2 and unfortunately this year more often than not it was WR1 and WR2 (due to injuries to AJ). And DJax has never been a 100 reception type of receiver...he's a 60-65 catch stretch the field speed guy that would instantly make AJ and the TE's even better. Too often our offense got stuck in the mud this year and I think we were that one piece away.

I don't buy for one minute that the Texans can't work the cap magic to get all 4 of our priority free agents signed and still have room for one solid piece to finish off a legitimate championship contender. A little restructuring here, a little cutting there some creative salary spreading and you're done. That's what Rick gets paid the big bucks for.

I will be shocked if we go to camp next year with KW/JJ as WR2/3

I won't be shocked if Mario goes but if he wants to be part of our championship runs I feel confident they can work out a lucrative deal for him that fits under the cap.

While we could upgrade CB2 I do actually think KJ showed significant improvement this year with a little coaching, J Allen was not bad and they have a 2nd rounder from last year that has had a year of practice that can hopefully contribute next year. Heck we had the 2nd best secondary in the league this year...helps getting a little pressure on QB. I think D needs nothing but draft depth which is shocking to say. Getting Mario back would be like signing a superstar FA to a 2nd ranked D.

What we need is more consistency on offense and I think the trickle down affect of another playmaker to spread the field is just the ticket.

[Arky]

Since David Anderson left, the team doesn't have a "water bug" anymore. A quick little guy that can go over the middle (if needed) and get good YAC.

I always thought JJ was a little too lanky for a punt returner though you can't debate he's had some success at it....

I would look at a couple of my Razorback guys that are graduating: Jarius Wright (5'10", 180, 4.34) and Joe Adams (5'11", 190, 4.38). Both are projected 4th/5th rounders.... They may be a little "smurfy" but Adams is a punt returner and a good one. He had a crazy punt return this year that ESPN had some fun with using some computer graphics to trace his route to the endzone.....

Also, the Texans still have Lestar Jean in layaway.... I think he's more of a possession receiver and not a burner, though...

[Fonz the Boss]

Here's my take on this.... Get a WR2 in the first rd and forget about free agent WRs. Signing Mario Williams has to be a priority despite having the success we had without him. Injuries are part of the game and are unpredictable. Heaven forbid but what happens if we lose Barwin or Brooks Reed to season ending injuries next year? What if JJ Watt suffers a season ending injury? Mario Williams is the type of player that can make the switch to 3-4 DE and be just as disruptive as Antonio Smith... hell maybe even better. It's imperative that we do everything we can to keep Mario.

[popanot]

I don't think there's any chance whatsoever the Texans spend big in FA this year unless they jettison Mario's cap figure and have Schaub renegotiate. In fact, I think the first news we hear this offseason will be about Schaub renegotiating to a long-term deal. The question will be where the "savings" will go. Mario, Foster, Meyers, a combo of those, an FA?

EDIT: As for FA WR, if they do anything I think it will be for a mid-level to cheap-veteran WR. I think Meachum would fit in nicely, but I'd prefer Garcon for his PR ability. If they do spend big, I'd go all out and target Jackson. I wouldn't be concerned at all about his pouting last year. I think this team is solid enough to set him straight if that happened.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by Fonz the Boss

Here's my take on this.... Get a WR2 in the first rd and forget about free agent WRs. Signing Mario Williams has to be a priority despite having the success we had without him. Injuries are part of the game and are unpredictable. Heaven forbid but what happens if we lose Barwin or Brooks Reed to season ending injuries next year? What if JJ Watt suffers a season ending injury? Mario Williams is the type of player that can make the switch to 3-4 DE and be just as disruptive as Antonio Smith... hell maybe even better. It's imperative that we do everything we can to keep Mario.

Agree wholeheartedly. While the defense played great, I'm no way convinced that we are now the Steelers and will have no problem casting aside our better players when they want a big payday because we already have enough depth or can just go get someone in the draft. I hope we can do these things, but one season doesn't convince me of that. I'm reminded of the words that the Wolf told Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson's characters in Pulp Fiction when they got a little ahead of themselves.

Like you also said, I think Mario provides a great deal of flexibility. I can certainly imagine some third and long defenses of Mario, Smith and Watt as the 3 down linemen, with Barwin and Reed coming off the edges. I also think Mario, despite his enormous physical gifts is not a natural born leader, yet people expected this because of his talent and draft status. In fact, I think he is probably more naturally a follower (kinda reminds me of Lebron in this way). But now this defense has some leaders who have the right attitude and Mario doesn't have to be that guy. Further, I do think he is the type of guy who will fall in line and buy in to it so I expect to see a very motivated Mario next year.

Finally, if we're jettisoning players because of salary cap concerns, why are we talking about Mario rather than Demeco? I'd much rather pay a guy who plays a premiere position and gets 15 sacks a year $15 million that a solid tackling, but rarely game changing inside linebacker $8 million.

[NBT]

Originally Posted by barrett

Matt schaub led the NFL in passing with those options. We could use an upgrade, but the reason we don't throw more isn't that we can't. It's that the number of times we run the ball directly corresponds to our chances to win. Trying to open up the passing game is the opposite of what you want to do when you run and defend like we do.

Schaub, and the gameplan, called for the second look to be the TEs. Walter only caught 39 balls and JJ only 31 all year. Hardly #2 numbers, wouldn't you say?

[NBT]

Fonz and Joshua, Mario himself has had to be put on IR the last two years. Get the #2 WR in the Draft, but try to sign and trade Mario for a good veteran CB.