Major Free agent signings

After some major releases, the Texans had some gaps to fill on both offense and defense. Teams prefer to fill those gaps through the draft and develop players to their needs, but the time it takes to develop them is too precious. Free agents are a way to get an experienced player impact your team almost immediately. People only pay attention to the big name guys, but even the mediocre signings can have a big impact on the team. During the off-season, the Texans signed 6 free agents that could prove to be of great value to the team.

1. Brian Hoyer- As I said in my post on the QB battle, Hoyer could prove to be the safe quarterback. He will make the proper throws and knows the system well. Between that last article and now, Hoyer has shown a lot of promise. He impressed during the last few days of OTA’s and out shined Mallet during the first day of mini camp. BOB said he would pick a starter before or early in training camp and so far Hoyer seems to be winning the battle in the eyes of many.

2.Rahim Moore- Moore is coming to a very shallow safety group with the Texans. Moore played 4 seasons (2011-2014) with the Broncos. During that time, Moore recorded 196 tackles, 20 passes defended and 8 interceptions. He has had a good career so far and we are hoping it will continue. Playing FS, he is exactly what the Texans needed when they signed him (when they had DJ Swearinger who covered air more than players). He is still fairly young and has shown that he can play coverage really well. Not only that, he and CB Kareem Jackson are good friends, which could never hurt in term of chemistry. Last year the Texans forced the most turnovers and Rahim Moore is an upgrade at the safety position. If he can continue to learn this defense, he can be reliable covering over top.

3. Vince Wilfork- Wilfork is definitely the biggest free agent signing (metaphorically and literally). Everyone knows what type of player he was for New England and the impact he can make on the team. The only issue with him is his age. Will he be durable enough to play at a high level? Well, we don’t really need him to be him old self. Even a fraction of that will be great, as long as he can draw some double teams. He and JJ Watt (who seem to be getting along really well) next to each other will open up opportunities for Crick, Mercillus or Clowney, depending on who plays where. Either way, all three of those players (yes, even crick) can be scary one-on-one. His play isn’t the only thing that will help the Texans. We hope that he can be a role model/ mentor for Nix III, who seems to be back in line after BOB’s public scolding. His leadership and knowledge is extremely valuable to Nix and the rookie Christian Covington (believed to be a first rounder before injury).

Cecil Shorts III- Cecil Shorts is very familiar with the Texans. Playing 4 seasons (2011-2014) with the Jaguars, he was one of the few bright spots for Jacksonville. Although he never recorded an 1,000 yard seasons, in 2012 he was only 21 yards short of the milestone. During that same season he averaged 17.8 yards per catch. Now he won’t be a tremendous receiver that teams will game plan against, but he will cause trouble. As many Houston fans may have noticed, he was a pain in our asses every time the Texans played the Jaguars. Unfortunately, Shorts never had a good quarterback any of his 4 years. Cecil can be the player that can take the top off the defense and is extremely dangerous after the catch. He will fill the hole at slot which the Texans desperately needed last year.

Nate Washington- Nate Washington is here for two reasons. His experience and the Texans needed depth at WR. He will be able to play inside or outside, as he is needed, but mostly he is here to teach this young receiver core (since Dre has gone to the enemy) about how to conduct yourself. During is long 11 year career, Washington was a great route runner and that could be crucial during important plays to get open. We don’t expect much from Washington aside from a few drive saving catches.

Stevie Brown- Brown played for 3 teams in 5 years (3 with the Giants). Most of his time came off the bench his first couple years, but in 2012 Brown exploded onto the scene recording 11 passes defended, 8 interceptions, and 76 tackles. In the preseason of 2013, Brown tore his ACL taking him out for the season. Brown didn’t play entirely well during 2014, opening up an opportunity for the Texans to sign him. This signing was a risk, since he only had one great year, but ACL injuries can take longer than a year to be 100 percent. If Brown can learn this defense well enough and be back to his 2012 form, this secondary will be solidified.