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Houston Texans News & Rumors

Texans To Cut DL Kingsley Keke

May 3rd, 2022 at 1:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kingsley Keke was scheduled to start his Texans career this fall, but he will suiting up elsewhere. The Texans are cutting the 25-year-old, reports Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network (on Twitter).

Keke, a fifth-round pick of the Packers in 2019, took on an increasingly large role in Green Bay over his three seasons there. He made 17 starts between 2020 and 2021, totalling 44 tackles and 6.5 sacks during that span; those totals contributed to consistent PFF grades in the 60s. His time with the team came to an abrupt end, however, and he was waived in January.

The Texans claimed Keke off waivers not long after, which pointed to him becoming another young piece to Houston’s rebuilding roster. However, as Wilson notes, he was due a base salary of just over $2.5MM as a result of playtime escalators, making him an expensive rotational option. Releasing him does not incur any dead cap charge for the Texans.

Houston drafted Thomas Booker in the fifth round, and has signed Damion Daniels as a UDFA to add cheaper options at the position. Wilson does note, though, that the Texas A&M product is expected to have a market for his services as he hits free agency for the first time in his career.

2023 NFL Fifth-Year Option Results

May 3rd, 2022 at 9:17am CST by Zachary Links

Monday marked the deadline for NFL clubs to officially pick up their options on 2019 first-rounders. Fifth-year option seasons are no longer just guaranteed for injury — they’re now fully guaranteed, which makes these decisions a little tougher for teams.

Nineteen players had their options exercised, a tick up from 14 last year. Here’s the full rundown:

1. QB Kyler Murray, Cardinals – Exercised ($29.7MM)
2. DE Nick Bosa, 49ers: Exercised ($17.9MM)
3. DE Quinnen Williams, Jets: Exercised ($11.5MM)
4. DE Clelin Ferrell, Raiders: Declined ($11.5MM)
5. LB Devin White, Buccaneers: Exercised ($11.7MM)
6. QB Daniel Jones, Giants: Declined ($22.4MM)
7. DE Josh Allen, Jaguars: Exercised ($11.5MM)
8. TE T.J. Hockenson, Lions: Exercised ($9.4MM)
9. DT Ed Oliver, Bills: Exercised ($10.8MM)
10. LB Devin Bush, Steelers: Declined ($10.9MM)
11. OT Jonah Williams, Bengals: Exercised ($12.6MM)
12. LB Rashan Gary, Packers: Exercised ($10.9MM)
13. DT Christian Wilkins, Dolphins: Exercised ($10.8MM)
14. G Chris Lindstrom, Falcons: Exercised ($13.2MM)
15. QB Dwayne Haskins:
16. DE Brian Burns, Panthers: Exercised ($16MM)
17. DT Dexter Lawrence, Giants: Exercised ($10.8MM)
18. C Garrett Bradbury, Vikings: Declined ($13.2MM)
19. DT Jeffery Simmons, Titans: Exercised ($10.8MM)
20. TE Noah Fant, Seahawks: Exercised ($6.9MM; originally drafted by Broncos)
21. S Darnell Savage, Packers: Exercised ($7.9MM)
22. OT Andre Dillard, Eagles: Declined ($12.6MM)
23. OT Tytus Howard, Texans: Exercised ($13.2MM)
24. RB Josh Jacobs, Raiders: Declined ($8MM)
25. WR Marquise Brown, Cardinals: ($13.4MM; originally drafted by Ravens)
26. DE Montez Sweat, Commanders: Exercised ($11.5MM)
27. S Johnathan Abram, Raiders: Declined ($7.9MM)
28. DE Jerry Tillery, Chargers: Declined ($11.5MM)
29. DE L.J. Collier, Seahawks: Declined ($11.5MM)
30. CB Deandre Baker — N/A (released by Giants)
31. OT Kaleb McGary, Falcons: Declined ($13.2MM)
32. WR N’Keal Harry, Patriots: Declined ($12.4MM)

Texans Trade CB Lonnie Johnson Jr. To Chiefs

May 2nd, 2022 at 4:39pm CST by Ben Levine

Lonnie Johnson Jr.‘s stint in Houston has come to an end. According to Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus (on Twitter), the Texans have traded the cornerback to the Chiefs. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), the Texans will receive a 2024 conditional seventh-round pick.

Johnson was a 2019 second-round pick by the Texans, but he failed to establish himself as a starter during his three years in Houston. The defensive back ultimately saw time in 44 games (19 starts) for the Texans, collecting 172 tackles. He seemed to take a step forward in 2021, as the 26-year-old finished with 55 tackles, three interceptions, and six passes defended.

The Texans weren’t done making moves today. Per Kyed (on Twitter), the Texans signed defensive Rasheem Green and waived/injured running back Scottie Phillips. Green, a 2018 fourth-round pick, spent his first four professional seasons with the Seahawks, including a 2021 campaign where he finished with a career-high 6.5 sacks in 17 games (16 starts). Phillips spent two years in Houston, collecting 38 yards from scrimmage.

The Texans have also added defensive end Mario Addison, per Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston (on Twitter). Addison is inking a two-year deal, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com (on Twitter). Following a long stint with the Panthers that saw him collect 55 sacks in 111 games, Addison spent the past two seasons with the Bills, where he added another 12 sacks in 32 games. The lineman played under current Texans defensive line coach Jacques Cesaire in Buffalo.

Finally, the Texans picked up the fifth-year option on offensive lineman Tytus Howard (per Rapoport on Twitter). Howard has started all 37 of his appearances in the NFL, but he’s missed 12 total games through his first three seasons. Howard has shown plenty of versatility during his NFL career, spending time at both tackle and guard.

Texans To Sign Rasheem Green

May 2nd, 2022 at 9:50am CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans didn’t add much to their defensive line during the draft, but they are set to bring in another piece to that position group in free agency. Houston is signing defensive end Rasheem Green to a one-year deal, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 

Green, 25 at the start of the season, visited the Texans last week, so a contract comes as little surprise. He had a limited role during the first three years of his time in Seattle, though he flashed potential with a four sack 2019 campaign. By far his best year, however, came in 2021; he set career highs in starts (16), sacks (6.5), tackles (48) and quarterback hits (15).

That generated plenty of interest as he hit free agency for the first time. The USC product met with the Ravens in March, and the Panthers in April. While that signalled a departure was likely, it was reported at the time that he could still re-sign with the Seahawks. Ultimately, the third meeting was the charm for him to find his new NFL home.

In Houston, Green will join a defensive front which – like most of the rest of the roster – is lacking in veterans and long-term, expensive commitments. If he can replicate his level of play from last season, however, he should be able to continue his upward trajectory and help the team’s rebuild.

Texans Trade Up Past Ravens To Select Christian Harris

April 29th, 2022 at 9:25pm CST by Ely Allen

For the second time in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Texans made a move to slip up past the Ravens, this time selecting Alabama linebacker Christian Harris with the No. 75 overall pick. 

Harris has been Top-5 in the Crimson Tide’s defense for tackles each of the last three years. The 21-year-old racked up 27.0 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks over his college career, adding 15 quarterback hurries and 3 forced fumbles along the way.

Harris was expected to be selected somewhere in the second round, so the Texans didn’t hesitate when they saw him inching ever closer to a Ravens team that certainly could use an upgrade at linebacker.

In order to acquire the Broncos No. 75 pick, the Texans had to part ways with their 80th (3rd round) pick and 162nd (5th round) pick.

Texans Acquire No. 44, Select WR John Metchie

April 29th, 2022 at 7:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans have moved up to add to the receiving corps. Houston has traded picks 68, 108, 124 to the Browns for No. 44, using it to select WR John Metchie.

The other member of the dynamic Alabama receiving tandem involving Jameson Williams, Metchie had two highly productive years with the Crimson Tide. In 2020, he posted 916 yards and six touchdowns, but took an even bigger step this past campaign. In 13 games, he totalled 96 receptions for 1,142 yards and eight scores.

Unfortunately, the Canadian – just like Williams – ended his college career with a torn ACL. He is expected to be recovered in time for the start of the season, though. If that is the case, he should have at least a secondary role on Houston’s offense as a compliment to the recently re-signed Brandin Cooks. Cleveland, meanwhile, will continue a lengthy wait to make their first selection in this year’s draft.

Texans Considering Round 2 QBs; Baker Mayfield, Jimmy Garoppolo On Radar?

April 29th, 2022 at 4:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Lovie Smith voiced support for Davis Mills early in the offseason, GM Nick Caserio was noncommittal about the second-year QB’s starter status going forward. Everything Houston has thus far done points to Mills receiving another opportunity, but the team may make a late entrance to the quarterback market.

The Texans considered the prospect of trading back into Round 1 for Malik Willis, Jeff Howe of The Athletic notes (subscription required). Houston, which also liked Kenny Pickett, holds the fifth pick in Friday’s second round (No. 37 overall). Willis’ fall opens the door to a potential investment for a Texans team that can certainly afford to give a rookie quarterback a redshirt season, given where the Caserio-led franchise is on its rebuild track.

This draft producing the first one-QB first round since 2013 opens the door to teams making lower-cost investments tonight. Ole Miss’ Matt Corral, who is on the Saints’ radar, and Desmond Ridder qualify as potential second-round picks. North Carolina’s Sam Howell may well go off the board tonight as well. The Buccaneers, Vikings, Titans and Giants pick in front of the Texans in Round 2. There are some QB landmine spots here for Houston, which runs the risk of missing out on its preferred second-day passer by standing pat.

Should the Texans not take a quarterback tonight, two veterans are available in trades. The team is likely to explore a Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo addition, Howe adds. This would seem contingent on Houston not drafting Willis or another QB in Round 2. While the Texans are still fine with running Mills back out there in 2022 and did not consider drafting a passer with either of their first-round picks Thursday, per Howe, the team is not committed just yet.

The Panthers and Seahawks have been connected to Mayfield, with the former a bit more closely linked. Garoppolo’s market has yet to take shape, with the longtime 49ers starter still rehabbing from surgery on his throwing shoulder. The Texans were not interested in Mayfield when they traded Deshaun Watson to the Browns, but Howe adds the expectation of Cleveland needing to eat some of the QB’s fifth-year option salary ($18.9MM) has changed the equation. The 49ers’ asking price for Garoppolo remains too high for the Texans, however, though Caserio’s time with the ex-Tom Brady backup in New England does create a logical connection here — Garoppolo’s desire to end up with a contender notwithstanding.

Another wrinkle here is the 49ers’ willingness to keep Garoppolo through training camp. That could put the former Super Bowl starter in position to need another team’s QB injury to prompt a trade. Absent a reasonable offer, the 49ers are willing to carry Garoppolo’s salary ($26.9MM cap number) to camp, per Howe. This would hinder their ability to extend Deebo Samuel or Nick Bosa, but Garoppolo doubles as an insurance policy in case Trey Lance is not ready to take over.

Eagles Acquire No. 13, Take Georgia DL Jordan Davis

April 28th, 2022 at 8:41pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve got another trade, and it involves one of the teams most active in trade talks. The Eagles have acquired No. 13 from the Texans and selected Georgia DL Jordan Davis.

The Texans received a handful of picks from Philly in the trade. The Eagles sent picks No. 15, No. 124, No. 162, and No. 166 to Houston.

Davis was a mainstay on the Bulldogs’ defense during his four seasons with Georgia. Playing in a run-stopping role, the six-foot-six, 340 pounder totaled seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Those numbers, along with eye-popping athletic testing at the combine, leave the door open to his development as a three-down player.

Davis had pre-draft visits with a number of teams, including the Ravens and Eagles. Philly may have been scared that Baltimore would snag the defensive tackle at No. 14, leading to the trade with the Texans.

At the moment, Davis will be joining a depth chart that’s led by veteran Fletcher Cox. The 31-year-old was cut and re-signed by the Eagles earlier this offseason, but his one-year pact means he may not be sticking around Philadelphia long term. Today’s move certainly reinforces that sentiment.

Texans Select CB Derek Stingley Jr. With No. 3 Pick

April 28th, 2022 at 7:28pm CST by Ben Levine

It’s been quiet in Houston surrounding the third-overall pick, and we finally have an answer on what the organization will do. The Texans have selected LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with the No. 3 pick. 

The LSU cornerback had long been considered one of the top-two cornerback prospects available, along with Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner. Recent reports indicated that Stingley was trending as high as the top-three with the Lions or Texans rumored to be interested in him at No. 2 or 3 overall. That ended up being the case, as Houston scooped him up after pass rushers were selected with the first two selections.

After a stellar freshman season, Stingley was easily viewed as the best cornerback that would be available by the 2022 Draft. But, after a subpar 2020 season and only appearing in three games last year, combined with another stellar season from Gardner, NFL teams have allowed a bit of room for Gardner to challenge as the best corner on the board.

Stingley underwent season-ending foot surgery in October, limiting him to three games as a junior. He finished his collegiate career with six interceptions, all coming during his freshman campaign.

The Texans needed offensive line help and going past that now is good news for the Panthers and other teams anxiously awaiting the opportunity to draft help up front. It had been rumored that the Texans would move up to take Stingley if he wasn’t their first pick, according to Doug Kyed of Pro Football Focus. They didn’t take any chances and took him at No. 3.

Giants Eyeing Sauce Gardner, Ikem Ekwonu?

April 28th, 2022 at 5:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Giants are still open to trading out of one of their top-10 draft slots, plans on how the team will proceed if they stay at those spots might be emerging.

Connected to tackles at No. 5 throughout the pre-draft process, the Giants are believed to have cornerback Ahmad Gardner as their most universally approved prospect, the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy tweets. The Giants were connected to “Sauce” back in March and hosted the Cincinnati cover man on a visit.

As for their tackle preference, Charles Cross was the blocker most closely connected to the team in the days leading up to the draft. But Dunleavy adds Ikem Ekwonu is believed to be the team’s highest-ranked tackle — ahead of Cross and Evan Neal, respectively. The NFL smokescreen window obviously remains open, but both Gardner and Ekwonu would make sense for the Giants.

Ekwonu, who has played guard as well, has been connected to the Jaguars with the No. 1 pick. But Jacksonville is still viewed as likelier to take a defensive lineman to start the draft. The Jags and Lions going D-line would open the door to the Jets (No. 4) and Giants having corners and top-tier tackles on the board. The Giants had sizable presences at Ekwonu, Cross and Neal’s pro days.

The Texans have been the top five’s least discussed team, possessing a bevy of needs. Houston has, however, been connected to corners in the days leading up to the draft. Derek Stingley Jr. should be considered the favorite to go third, Dunleavy adds (on Twitter). This is not the first Texans-Stingley connection to surface. Since Lovie Smith‘s comments about his team’s need at corner, the Texans have been tied to the LSU and Cincinnati standouts. Stingley going third would likely leave the Jets with their pick of Gardner, the draft’s top tackles and this class’ third- and fourth-best D-linemen — generally believed to be Kayvon Thibodeaux and Jermaine Johnson.

The Giants have a need at right tackle — where Ekwonu, Cross or Neal would presumably step in as a Day 1 starter — but also are preparing to move James Bradberry‘s $21MM cap number off their books. Big Blue’s top corner for the past two seasons, Bradberry has no ties to the current regime and is going into an expensive contract year. Gardner would be an immediate replacement on a much cheaper deal. The Jets, who have also been linked to Garnder, could spoil any Giants plans here. But the NFC’s New York franchise might be OK with multiple prospects at 5.

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