AP

Because of the glaring need on their roster, the lack of supply of alternatives, and previous comments by Texans owner Bob McNair, it appeared the Texans were intent on drafting their next quarterback of the future.

But after General Manager Rick Smith signed former Broncos project Brock Osweiler to a four-year, $72 million contract, McNair said Osweiler was the one they had targeted all along.

“Quarterback was our No. 1 priority,” McNair said, via John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. “He (Osweiler) was the one we wanted.

“He was the guy we wanted. Rick said he was going to get him, and he did. I’ve got to give him a lot of credit. He did a heck of a job.”

Of course, McNair admitted that the alternative was considered, but the cost was deemed too high. A victim of their own success, the Texans won’t draft until the 22nd overall spot, and McNair said the cost of getting into the range for a top prospect such as Jared Goff or Carson Wentz was prohibitive.

“If we had waited for the draft, we would have had to give up picks to move up to get a guy we wanted,” McNair said. “We probably would have had to give up at least three picks, and that’s three quality players.

“Now we can go into the draft and take the best player in each round.”

Of course, it was easy to think about the draft, as free agency had one realistic option for them to acquire a semi-established starter (assuming they weren’t going to give Ryan Fitzpatrick another chance).

But now that he has his man, McNair isn’t afraid to set high expectations, on a day when he also added running back Lamar Miller.

“I’m excited,” McNair said. “I think these moves give us a chance to go a long way in the playoffs.”

Osweiler isn’t shirking from those expectations, saying he thinks he can win a championship with the Texans. And considering the talent around him and the formula the Broncos just showed for winning a title, it’s possible.