The Houston Texans are expected to become active in NFL free agency in the hope of bouncing back from a disappointing season. Houston finished last in the AFC South standings with a measly 4-12 record.
Houston is being linked to several free agents, particularly running backs and corners. More names are expected to come up in the offseason, especially if the Texans lose some key players through free agency and trades.
A gamble on Aqib Talib next season
The Denver Broncos are expected to part ways with Aqib Talib. The Broncos are currently testing the waters for Talib, but they will likely decide to release the veteran corner instead of waiting for trade offers.
If the Broncos let Talib go, the Texans should take a gamble on the 31-year-old, Toro Times’ James Mastrucci said. The 10-year veteran is coming off his worst year in five seasons, but he could be the veteran presence the Texans need to improve in seasons to come.
Talib could also take the place of 34-year-old corner Jonathan Joseph, who will likely leave Houston.
A change of scenery for the Talib could eventually work wonders for the Cleveland, Ohio native.
There are risks involved in signing Talib because of his off-field issues, but it was pointed out he could bring more good than harm by improving Houston’s defense next season. He had just 31 tackles last season, but it is still worth noting he tallied a total of 151 in his first three seasons in Denver.
Carlos Hyde could be the running back Houston needs
Meanwhile, the Texans might also find themselves searching for running back. Alfred Blue could sign elsewhere in free agency, while Lamar Miller could eventually move to another team if Houston decides to move on from the six-year veteran.
If the Texans opt to move on from Blue and Miller, Carlos Hyde will be an intriguing option for Houston, Mastrucci said in a separate Toro Times article.
Hyde will be available in free agency in the offseason.
Hyde struggled in his first two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers but showed flashes of brilliance in the past two seasons. He tallied 988 rushing yards for six touchdowns in 2016, and 940 yards for eight touchdowns in 2017.
The 27-year-old running also showed he can be a decent pass catcher, as he tallied 59 receptions for 350 yards last season. He has also silenced his doubters last season when he managed to stay healthy for the entire year, playing in all 16 games of San Francisco.
His skillset could complement D’Onta Foreman if the Texans decide to give more opportunities to the 21-year-old running back next season. The Hyde-Forman tandem could also give quarterback DeShaun Watson more room to operate moving forward.