With the legal tampering period opening up across the NFL, the Houston Texans will be keeping their eyes on a free agent pool of players who will be available to help out the roster heading into 2019. Which players should the Texans be calling when the legal tampering period opens up on Monday?

One thing that we take into account is how we feel the Texans will spend their cap money when free agency opens. It is hard to see the team really opening up the checkbook for a spending spree but they will be looking for real value in terms of the player's potential production aligning with the dollar amount needed to sign him.

Here at State of the Texans, we look at each player from each position group who could fit with the Texans. Here are our thoughts on players at whom the team should be looking for help during the coming seasons.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick, Quarterback, Tampa Bay

We know what you’re saying, 'why would the Texans want him back'? The reality is this, the Texans value players who know the offensive system and will be looking continually for a back-up quarterback behind Deshaun Watson. The team has to find someone they trust and, if they add a veteran like Fitzpatrick, that move would not prevent the team from also landing a rookie prior to camp. Fitzpatrick had a solid season with the Texans in 2014 during his first year in the system and if brought back, he would know his role to help Watson and the quarterback room.

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TJ Yeldon, Running Back, Jacksonville

Being passed over in Jacksonville, Yeldon could help the Texans achieve that running back by committee they have been wanting to put together in years past and into the future. Yeldon runs the ball well and catches it too at a nice clip. After starting during his first two seasons in the NFL, Yeldon as a back up has averaged 4.4 yards per carry. He also has averaged 42 pass receptions per season since 2015.

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Chris Conley, Wide Receiver, Kansas City

The Texans want a receiver they can trust who can fill in behind their top three options on offense. More than anything, they need a mix of a receiver who can stretch the field and get defenses to respect them in the passing game. Conley can stretch the field and he had a productive season, catching 5 touchdown passes while averaging 10.4 yards per catch. His 2017 season was cut short due to an Achilles injury but he was able to play all 16 games with 13 starts in 2018. He might be able to rebound from his injury even more heading into 2019.

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Trent Brown, Offensive Line, New England

Honestly, we find it hard to believe that the Texans are committed to make a big splash on the offensive line. Last off-season, the organization pushed hard for Nate Solder but ended up losing out to the New York Giants in signing him. Once again, a similar situation shows up with Brown, whom the New England Patriots are letting test the free agent waters just like they did with Solder. The fact the Patriots are once again letting their starting left tackle walk is a clear red flag. The Texans would have to open up their pocketbook for Brown and he will not be a small amount. The Texans want to see more of Julién Davenport and how he can develop but with a strong offensive tackle class coming out in the NFL Draft, that route appears to be a much better plan for the long run.

Jesse James, Tight End, Pittsburgh (Header Picture)

The Texans need an inline player to help out in the run game and chip in as a receiver. Jesse James fits that role. This is about finding a viable option to help out Jordan Thomas and Jordan Akins. Getting a Y-tight end option in the building could help Thomas become more of a pass catching threat and allow him to spend less time trying to block in the run game. Add in Bill O’Brien's knowledge of James from his Penn State days and the head coach knows what he can expect from the 24-year old tight end.

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Allen Bailey, Interior Defensive Line, Kansas City

Malik Jackson makes plenty of sense but his high level of production is going to result in another high end payday. The Texans are looking for an interior presence to help out in the pass rush department and with the Chiefs switching for a 4-3 defense, Allen Bailey could help in the Texans hybrid defense which can be a 3-4 or 4-3 depending on the week. As an interior player, Bailey produced 6 sacks and 10 quarterback hits in 2018 and that is exactly what is needed for this Texans defense to help out the edge rushers.

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L.J. Fort, Linebacker, Pittsburgh

If the Texans choose to add another linebacker, it would have to be a player who can help play the position in a pinch but most importantly, he needs to be able to help on special teams. Fort would be able to provide in both of those departments if needed, but with a crowded linebacker room, it might be a long shot on whether the Texans decide to land an inside linebacker.

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Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Denver

The market is going to be strong for top free agent cornerback Ronald Darby and it would not surprise us if the Texans check on his availability. The idea of adding Bradley Roby makes plenty of sense, too. Roby has been a durable player and has broken up 29 passes the past two seasons. He was a full time starter for the first time in his career in 2018 and, even in limited work, he has broken up 60 passes and posted 7 interceptions. Add in 7 forced fumbles, Roby is a production machine on the field.

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Adrian Amos Jr., Safety, Chicago

The Texans are working hard to bring back Tyrann Mathieu but as we know, that could possibly become a bidding war when it is all said and done. Make no mistake, the Texans will have a contingency plan and the Chicago Bears Adrain Amos, Jr. makes plenty of sense to team with Justin Reid. Amos is one of O’Brien’s players from Penn State and just like Jesse James, O'Brien knows what he is going to get with his former player. If Amos does not pan out, a diamond in the rough could be safety Adrian Phillips who can possibly be even better with a team willing to commit to him as a starter at safety.

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