Bill O’Brien: the general manager
To begin, O’Brien as the general manager, easily the more controversial of his dual-positions, should be discussed. It’s easy to forget that it was only eight months ago when fans were similarly outraged regarding the departure of Jadeveon Clowney. Jacob Martin, Barkevious Mingo and a third-round pick were the measly return from the crown jewel of Houston’s disaster of a season in 2013.
Three weeks into free agency, Clowney remains unsigned. Sources consistently indicate that Clowney’s asking price is too high for the production he represents as a pass-rusher. His presence in Seattle further confirmed the belief that, although incredibly explosive and a force against the run, Clowney is an inconsistent player who still struggles to get to the quarterback. Even with Mingo released, Texans fans certainly must feel more comfortable with the growing Jacob Martin and a third-round pick compared to shelling out $18 million dollars next year that only gathered 3.0 sacks for Seattle in 13 games. The lack of production, even in a new environment, combined with an absurd asking price from Clowney’s camp may explain the relatively shallow market last September. Not to mention Clowney was allowed to nix his participation in the Miami deal.
The day before Clowney packed his bags for Seattle, O’Brien was allowed to make his staple on the franchise (serving as de facto general manager) when he sold the farm to Miami. Sending two first round picks, a second rounder, and two players who weren’t locks to make the roster, the Texans acquired LT Laremy Tunsil, WR Kenny Stills, and two late-round picks (fourth and sixth round.) Following 2019, where the Texans pick ended up being 26th overall, it’s hard pressed not to argue this trade was a masterpiece.
Deshaun Watson’s sack rate dropped immensely and despite any CBS-touted ‘Tunsilitis’ (Read: Laremy’s proneness to off-side penalties), Tunsil was widely considered one of the best left tackles in the league of 2019.
When speedster wide receiver Will Fuller went down, Stills was able to stepup into that role and work to limit the needed offensive changes. When the trio of Hopkins, Fuller, and Stills were all active, such as a dominant win over New England in Week 13, the offense was lethal.
This week, Tunsil has come out and stated his intent to be the highest paid offensive lineman in the league. Considering that left tackle is debatable the most important position other than quarterback (an argument could be made for edge rusher) Houston fans should be overjoyed that they’re in a position to write that check. Meanwhile Stills is under contract for what should be another productive season working with Watson. If Watson is the franchise, which many believe he is, the picks will not matter when we reflect after Miami makes their second-round selection in 2021. This was a home run.
Before finally discussing the departure of Deandre Hopkins, the midseason acquisitions are worth noting. O’Brien brought in talented players such as Duke Johnson, Gareon Conley, and Vernon Hargreaves. All were factors in a great 10-6 season and project to have even larger roles in 2020. When looking at the cornerbacks Conley and Hargreaves, these players dramatically improved upon joining the Texans. There has always been a direction to acquire affordable talent that fits the scheme, which leads to Nuk.
Last season, Sammy Watkins (Chiefs), Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns), Brandin Cooks (Rams), A.J. Green (Bengals) and Allen Robinson (Bears), T.Y. Hilton (Colts) and Jarvis Landry (Browns) were the seven highest paid wide receivers of the 2019 season. Of those seven receivers, only Watkins made the playoffs and everyone recognizes Super Bowl MVP Patrick Maholmes, Andy Reid, Travis Kelce, and Tyreek Hill had far more to do with that than the expensive wideout. Simply put, massive wide receiver contracts generally do not correlate to wins in the National Football League. There is a reason Vegas sportsbooks don’t value any position other than quarterback to be worth more than 1-point to the spread.
Reports say that Hopkins, still having three years left on his contract, was planning to sit out the 2020 off-season in pursuit of a larger contract ranging between $18-20 million per year. With J.J. Watt set to make $15.5 million in 2020, Tunsil preparing to set the market at left tackle, and Watson rapidly approaching what could easily be a $40 million per year extension, Hopkins was no longer an economic reality for the Texans.
The departure of No. 10 for Houston fans is certainly a painful one but one that must also be embraced considering the context of the situation. The Texans must avoid entering a salary scenario similar to that of the Los Angeles Rams or the Dallas Cowboys, who are now severely hamstrung with several massive contracts. The Rams were forced to cut-bait this offseason, releasing Todd Gurley and now actively Brandin Cooks. Dallas is in a precarious situation where depth is nearly nonexistent due to the massive extension of every star on their roster.
Position matters in the NFL. Eating the contract of David Johnson for one year before cutting him in the 2021 offseason at a mere $2 million dollar cap hit is more economically sensible than attaching to Hopkins. O’Brien learned in New England that help can be found everywhere at wide receiver assuming you don’t go too cheap. Randall Cobb is a far more reasonable option in 2020 when considering the long-term assembly of the team.
The Texans are building the right way. They are prioritizing finding stars at positions that directly correlate to wins and refusing to be beholden to players who don’t fit that criteria. Houston should still field an above average receiving core in 2020 with Fuller, Cobb, Stills, and a second or third round draft pick. Football is about the quarterback and the Texans are set to hit all three criteria.
- Have a quarterback (Watson)
- Protect your quarterback (Tunsil and Tytus Howard)
- Attack their quarterback (Watt and Whitney Mercilus)
Moving on, let’s delay hitting the panic button on current roster construction and discuss coaching itself.