Who's your QB next week...next year

[Big Texas]

So, how long is Savage out?
If he's available, does he get the start over Keenum?
Does Keenum get another shot for next year?
Does Fitz get another shot?

Me personally, I'm dropping Fitz...taking my chances on the Keenum, Savage, Mallet trio...

I can't see us drafting another mid round QB.

This team is a QB and a solid slot receiver away from a deep run into the playoffs.

[Keith]

Probably have to roll out Keenum versus the Jaguars, but next season I would much rather have Savage over Keenum.

I think this becomes Mallett's team in 2015. I don't know enough yet about any viable options early in the draft that could tempt the Texans, and there isn't really a potential veteran expected to be on the market that wows me either. And I agree, another mid-round QB who would be behind Savage in terms of development isn't going to do more than take up a spot on the practice squad.

Savage and Fitz are coming back to camp next year, though that does not mean either are guaranteed a roster spot.

[barrett]

Probably Mallett. His injury and missing out on enough time to judge him is probably the biggest downer of 2014.

I don't mind if Fitz comes back. I hope O'Brien falls in love with a QB in the draft.

[Arky]

After what happened this year with the QB injury bug, I think they gotta go with keeping three on the 53 next year with maybe a fourth on the PS.

I think Mallet has the inside track to be the starter going into 2015. I think Savage did nothing to discourage his chances of sticking around for future development. So, that leaves Fitz (more $$$, more experience) or Keenum (less $$$, less experience) as the #2. Keenum can certainly help himself with a good passing performance against the Jags..... so, maybe this can be better answered next week or during the off season...

[Warren]

I agree that Mallett should be re-signed and should go into the offseason at least competing for the starting job. Just based on how little they had to give up to get him I don't think he'd be a hot free agent despite his strong showing against the Browns, and if he's smart he'll recognize this is a good situation for him.

I don't think Keenum did anything yesterday that would put him back into the mix long-term. I think they're comfortable with Fitzpatrick as the veteran backup and his $3.8 million against the cap next year isn't unreasonable for a team that won't be spending much (relatively) on the QB position.

In free agency, there should be former first-rounders (Jake Locker, Christian Ponder, Blaine Gabbert) who could be viewed as reclamation projects available on the cheap and some guys who have had some success (Mark Sanchez, Brian Hoyer) but nobody really intriguing.

It'll be interesting to see how Savage progresses, and I agree that the wildcard is if there's some QB in the draft who they really like.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Warren

I agree that Mallett should be re-signed and should go into the offseason at least competing for the starting job. Just based on how little they had to give up to get him I don't think he'd be a hot free agent despite his strong showing against the Browns, and if he's smart he'll recognize this is a good situation for him.

Didn't see the TV broadcast, so I don't know how evident this was to those viewing the game vs. the Ravens at home, but Mallett was active before the game talking to teammates, the during the game on the sideline. Wearing a sling, meeting guys coming off the field, talking them up... generally acting like someone who wants to be here and be a future leader of the team.

So I'm guessing that Mallett definitely realizes this is the best situation for him, and I doubt it will take top dollar to keep him around. I'd actually endorse signing him to more than just another 1- or 2-year deal. The cap is growing, and taking a gamble on a guy who is a vet and fits O'Brien's physical model of an ideal passer would be a huge win if Mallett really turns out to be the long-term starter and could play for a friendly cap value.

Never thought I'd ever say that about Mallett pre-trade. Brave new world.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by Keith

Didn't see the TV broadcast, so I don't know how evident this was to those viewing the game vs. the Ravens at home, but Mallett was active before the game talking to teammates, the during the game on the sideline. Wearing a sling, meeting guys coming off the field, talking them up... generally acting like someone who wants to be here and be a future leader of the team.

I saw this during the game and had the same reaction you did. It's weird, 'smart' is not something the general consensus ascribes to Scantron Mallett but who knows? He looked damn good that one game. Savage also looked pretty good for a rookie rushed into action for the few plays we got to see him.

The worst quarterback to play a down for the team this year is also oddly the most likable.

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by chuck

The worst quarterback to play a down for the team this year is also oddly the most likable.

Foster?

Seriously, I'd love for Keenum to have his T. J. Yates moment in Houston and then ride off into the sunset holding a clipboard.

Mallett is the most likely keeper but the one we have least control over. Do we keep Fitz for another year? Don't really see the harm unless we desperately need to cap relief or we draft/sign a genuine starter.

[popanot]

I honestly don't see them keeping Fitz. While he's not tying a lot money, the money he is earmarked for could be used elsewhere. Keep in mind, even though the cap will go up, and even if they cut AJ and JJoe or reduce their salaries, Watt's salary jumps to like $17MM and they have to sign Mallett, KJax (they HAVE to re-sign him. can't keep letting decent young players walk), and others. I think Fitz's money ends up going to someone else.

As for backup QB, I think Keenum really impressed BOB this last week in practice and the game with his leadership and I could see him being the #2 or #3 backup next year with Savage taking the other backup spot. This next game could go a long way in determining that. Even if Keenum's not here, I think I'd rather try to rebuild someone like Ponder or Locker than have another year of Fitz.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by popanot

I honestly don't see them keeping Fitz. While he's not tying a lot money, the money he is earmarked for could be used elsewhere. Keep in mind, even though the cap will go up, and even if they cut AJ and JJoe or reduce their salaries, Watt's salary jumps to like $17MM and they have to sign Mallett, KJax (they HAVE to re-sign him. can't keep letting decent young players walk), and others. I think Fitz's money ends up going to someone else.

As for backup QB, I think Keenum really impressed BOB this last week in practice and the game with his leadership and I could see him being the #2 or #3 backup next year with Savage taking the other backup spot. This next game could go a long way in determining that. Even if Keenum's not here, I think I'd rather try to rebuild someone like Ponder or Locker than have another year of Fitz.

I doubt Ponder and Locker cost less than Fitz. Backup QBs get paid. It is tempting to go cheap at the backup QB spot, and it's a great idea until you need one.

As for Keenum, if he had impressed O'Brien in practice I would suspect he'd have been counted on to throw the ball versus half back passes and wildcat formations.

Fitz might be gone, but I sure hope we don't cut a $4 million QB for salary purposes unless it's to spend on another QB. This team played amazing and caught every possible break and without a QB we are nothing more than a feel good story happy to miss the playoffs by a bit.

If we come back with Mallett/Keenum/Savage I will descend to Chuck levels of frustration (I do understand your POV Chuck despite giving you a hard time lately, plus it's easy for me since I don't follow any other Houston teams and I have no Oilers history). That QB triad as a plan to enter the season would be a huge slap in the face to the fan base and other players on the roster.

This year we were 21st as a team in QBR. Every playoff team finished ahead of us (including Arizona). Every team we finished ahead of is a QB disaster. There is no way we can reasonably expect to win games without getting much better at QB.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/qbr/_/type/team-season

Mallett was actually worse than Fitz, and predictably Keenum and Savage were worse than Mallett. I may have enough faith in Mallett based on his first start to bring him back, but nowhere near enough to bet a playoff roster and season on Ryan Mallett (or Case Keenum obviously).

This team will go nowhere without a QB. That is obvious. What is not obvious is why anyone would bet a whole season that one of our bad/mediocre QBs might be just average enough to get from 9 to 10 wins next year.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by barrett

That QB triad as a plan to enter the season would be a huge slap in the face to the fan base and other players on the roster.

I've been slapped so hard and often by this team that my face must be getting numb.

Bringing these three back is the path of least resistance. Yes, this team needs an Aaron Rogers, Andrew Luck... some super talented QB, but please let us know who that player is that will be reasonably available to the Texans this offseason.

That player seems to be a unicorn, at least this offseason.

Anyone think the Pats might make Tom Brady available? And if so, what's he worth to the Texans?

[popanot]

You bring up valid points, but I don't think BOB is so enamored with Fitz that he's a lock to be the backup, or, heaven forbid, the starter next year. If they don't make a change at starter and Fitz is the guy, it will alienate more fans than at least trying to tap into the potential of or resurrect Mallett/Savage/Ponder/Locker/Glennon/Plug-in-name-here. I can't imagine any of those guys would turn down ~$4MM-$8MM on a 1 or 2 year deal knowing that they might hit gold on a fairly good team who is as needy as the Texans are for an upgrade at QB. Again, I'm not saying I want any of these guys or that they're the answer. I'm just saying I don't think the percentages of Fitz being back are as high as some do.

EDIT: Sorry, Keith posted after barrett. This in reply to barrett's post.

[chuck]

I will be far more irritated with another zero-production draft than I will be with a Mallett/Keenum/Savage quarterback arrangement. I recognize that the quarterback play is holding the team back but as Keith says I just don't know where they can get an elite guy right now.

[barrett]

I have no idea where we could get a great QB. But I was under the impression we were paying millions of dollars to multiple people to expressly answer that question.

Additionally, I cannot give a pass to the logic, "it seems hard to get a QB right now so we better not try." At least not when said logic is applied year after year. I think BOB can really coach but it would be a gutless move to declare for a 2nd year in a row there was no QB answer out there. You're a head coach who got hired as an offensive mind and a QB guru. So go get your QB and start coaching him.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by barrett

So go get your QB and start coaching him.

He may have already done that, which is why I'm not on the Get a QB at all costs train. If BOB believes in Mallett, that's good enough for me. If he doesn't, well, I guess you're trusting Rick Smith to find you a franchise quarterback.

[barrett]

If he believes in Mallett I don't know why it took as long as it did to replace Fitz. But maybe it was just patience.

If Mallett is BOB's guy than I want to hear that all offseason. Go all in with him or get a QB. And honestly I don't care if it is another mid round guy or a reclamation. Maybe we unearth a Russell Wilson or a Rich Gannon. I doubt it but I am okay with trying. I don't have to see a 1st round pick or a high priced FA. I just don't want to see a team with terrible QB production miss out on the playoffs and maybe more due to that lack of QB production, and then bring back the same guys who provided that lack of QB production and act like they expect something different.

[nunusguy]

Here's a thought. Maybe Clowney has a full recovery and plays 2-way and on offense becomes our franchise QB we so desperately need. I'm only saying this now to say it before the Chcukster says it, because he's been practically effusive in his praise for the Texans lately.

[HPF Bob]

Most probable scenario: Texans choose between a limited Brian Hoyer and a fragile Sam Bradford on a two-year deal and hope for the best. They let Fitz go and sign Mallett as backup while they continue to develop him. If the Texans reach for Kyle Orton, you'll know there was no market out there.

[chuck]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Most probable scenario: Texans choose between a limited Brian Hoyer and a fragile Sam Bradford on a two-year deal and hope for the best.

I just don't see anything out there that makes me want any retread more than I want Mallett. Yes, we're working with a spectacularly small sample size but Mallett has a huge arm and in the game he was healthy he made all the correct decisions and quickly. If that's the real Mallett then why the hell would we want Sam Bradford? I mean, I MIGHT look at Nick Foles if the Eagles are foolish enough to let him go. No, you know, I would take Nick Foles. But that's about it.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by chuck

I just don't see anything out there that makes me want any retread more than I want Mallett. Yes, we're working with a spectacularly small sample size but Mallett has a huge arm and in the game he was healthy he made all the correct decisions and quickly. If that's the real Mallett then why the hell would we want Sam Bradford? I mean, I MIGHT look at Nick Foles if the Eagles are foolish enough to let him go. No, you know, I would take Nick Foles. But that's about it.

I wouldn't go near Hoyer or Bradford. I have never liked Foles either. I think he is cursed to spend the rest of his career chasing the flukish half season he had in Philly last year. Not to mention Foles has probably been hurt more than Bradford.

What are the chances Kaepernick is available? I doubt any new coach wants to pay him $20 million per year and his contract has an easy out for SF. If big arm and big body are BOB traits he definitely has those.

But I like Mallett coming back, I just don't think one above average one and one bad one that was impacted by injury should be our whole plan.