3:50pm: Texans GM Rick Smith told reporters that he has no interaction with the Pats regarding Mallett, Werder tweets.
2:44pm: Yesterday, before the draft got underway, we heard reports that the Patriots were in talks with the Texans regarding quarterback Ryan Mallett. Now, Ed Werder of ESPN hears that Tom Brady‘s backup is “not available,” (h/t Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk).
The Texans, who hold the first pick of the second round, did not land a QB last night and watched Teddy Bridgewater come off the board at No. 32 following the Vikings’ move up the ladder. While one might think this would give them additional fuel to find a QB on the trade market, that apparently won’t lead the the Arkansas product coming to Houston.
As it stands, the Texans are set to head into the 2014 season with Ryan Fitzpatrick, Case Keenum, and T.J. Yates on the depth chart. They could also bring a familiar surname back into the locker room if they tap Fresno State QB Derek Carr with the No. 33 overall pick tonight.