The Houston Texans’ season is over. After finishing 10-6, they found themselves in the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, only to lose a 24-0 lead to the Kansas City Chiefs, who moved on by winning in 51-31 fashion.
In recent years, the Texans have changed their tight end group mightily. In 2018, they took Jordan Akins and Jordan Thomas in the draft. They doubled-down on young tight ends in 2019, by selecting Kahale Warring in the third-round. Before then, Houston signed veteran Darren Fells in a presumed blocking/backup role.
Fells, 33, came aboard as a backup then enjoyed the best season of his career. The 6-7, 270-pound former basketball player became a favorite red-zone target for Deshaun Watson, catching a franchise-record (for tight ends) seven touchdowns. He recorded career highs in receptions (34) and receiving yards (341).
While Fells was a pleasant surprise in 2019, Akins developed into more of a complete tight end in year two. He blocked better, proved to be a dynamic threat after the catch and found himself as the No. 2 tight end in the offense.
Akins recorded 36 receptions for 418 yards and two touchdowns in 16 regular-season games.
As for the rest of the tight end group, Houston did not see much production from their young guns in Thomas and Warring. Both were placed on the injured reserve before the season; Thomas with broken ribs and Warring with concussion/hamstring injuries.
Thomas played five games and was largely a non-factor, hauling in one reception for eight yards. Warring did not play a snap and missed most of training camp.
Heading into 2020, the Texans have Akins, Thomas and Warring under contract. Fells will be a free agent after a career year in Houston. If he falls within the Texans’ price range, expect him back.