Category: 2022 NFL Free Agency

2 defensive free agents who could help the Texans

The Houston Texans could grab two free agent defenders who could bolster the defense in the first year for coach Lovie Smith.

The Houston Texans don’t seem that far away on defense.

Although the Texans gave up the second-most yards in the NFL last season and also the sixth-most points en route to a 4-13 finish, defensive coordinator Lovie Smith followed through with his philosophy on takeaways. The Texans were tied for the 10th-most turnovers last year with 25, the only team with a losing record to be in the top-10.

If Houston could add a couple quality free agent defenders, it may be enough to start cutting back on the yards allowed and points scored.

According to Jeremy Fowler and Matt Bowen from ESPN, one free agent defender who would be a good fit for Houston is Seattle Seahawks safety Quandre Diggs.

Why it makes sense: At some point GM Nick Caserio needs to find roster staples and leadership. Houston’s outlook at safety is uncertain, with Justin Reid hitting free agency. Assuming he’s healthy, Diggs is one of the game’s most underrated safeties. And he’s a native Texan. — Fowler

Scheme fit: Diggs is a back-end playmaker with the transition speed to drive top-down on the ball in Lovie Smith’s core Cover looks. Plus, he can run the alley and tackle in space. And the Texans need more talent in the secondary. — Bowen

The other free agent the Texans should sign in the duo’s opinion is Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. The Cowboys took a “prove it” approach with their former 2018 first-round pick in 2021 and declined to pick up his fifth-year option. The former Boise State product tallied 77 combined tackles, four tackles for loss, a quarterback hit, 1.0 sack, an interception, and two pass breakups through 17 games, 16 of which he started. However, rookie Micah Parsons stole the show with a defensive rookie of the year performance.

In Houston, Vander Esch could play as a run-stopper, which is key in Smith’s scheme. The Texans got a career year out of Kamu Grugier-Hill with 108 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 3.0 sacks, three pass breakups, an interception, and three forced fumbles through 14 starts. The Texans also have 2021 fifth-rounder Garret Wallow waiting in the wings.

4 free agent tight ends the Texans should consider

Tight end is a position of upside for the Houston Texans, but here are four free agents they should take a look at.

Talent acquisition and roster construction never stops with the Houston Texans.

As the Texans are coming off a 4-13 finish and seek to complete the rebuild over the course of the 2022 offseason, one area where Houston may need to dip into the free agency pool is at tight end.

The Texans spent a fifth-rounder on Brevin Jordan in 2021. The Miami product caught 20 passes for 178 yards and three touchdowns in nine games, two of which he started. Houston has to find a way to develop Jordan while also shoring up the position.

Here are four free agent tight ends that could help the roster.

4 free agents receivers Texans should consider

The Houston Texans may need to dip into free agency to address receiver. Here are four free agent wideouts the Texans should take a look at.

The Houston Texans have plenty of decisions to make across their roster as they get ready for the 2022 season.

One area where the Texans will need to address vacancies is receiver. Currently, Chris Moore, Chris Conley, and Danny Amendola are scheduled to be free agents when the new league begins in March. The trio accounted for 67 catches for 798 yards and seven touchdowns combined.

If the Texans decide to bring in new, veteran faces to complement Brandin Cooks and Nico Collins, here are four players who the Texans should look at. All contract numbers are according to Spotrac from the 2021 season.

5 free agent running backs the Texans should consider

The Houston Texans may need to dip into the free agent pool to add some running backs. Here are five ball carriers Houston should consider.

The Houston Texans aren’t just open for business with regards to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft; the club is open for business all throughout their roster.

Such is the case when a team is trying to win more than four games in a season, a feat that has evaded them the past two years.

With Rex Burkhead as the only top running back on Houston’s roster, they will need to look to free agency to fill out the roster of the position group.

All contract details are from Spotrac. Here are five running backs in free agency Houston should consider.

4 free agent quarterbacks the Texans should consider

The Houston Texans need to sign a quarterback to backup or compete with Davis Mills. Here are four free agents the team should consider.

The Houston Texans have a variety of positions they need to fill across their roster.

Believe it or not, even with rookie Davis Mills providing an optimistic 2-3 record down the stretch, quarterback remains a need for the Texans. Tyrod Taylor is a free agent, and Jeff Driskel converted to tight end in the middle of the season.

If Houston goes after a backup quarterback in free agency, they need a veteran who can give Mills a legitimate challenge in camp to take the starting job.

Here are four free agents who fit the bill. Contract details are provided by Spotrac.

One free agent each team should want to sign in 2022

Every team gets better or worse in the offseason. If each team were to sign this one free agent, they’d definitely improve.

There are only four teams left fighting for Super Bowl LVI, which means 28 teams are deeply engrossed in the Business Season of the NFL. The first major tentpole event of that season is free agency, which begins at 4 p.m. ET March 16. Teams are aware of the salary cap for the 2022 season, and are planning to build out their rosters accordingly.

We’ve decided to give them some help. Cap and negotiations aside, we’ve determined one pending free agent (as of the time of publication) that isn’t currently on each team for each team.

Based on our results, expect hot markets for CB J.C. Jackson, WR Mike Williams and DT Akiem Hicks — none of which should be considered a surprise for anyone. There are interesting names that might not be the first considered in such an exercise, but compelling arguments are made.

Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments, or give us a tweet @NFLWire

2022 NFL offseason: Important dates for the Giants

The NFL has released their offseason calendar and these important dates will be of significance for the New York Giants.

With another dismal season now behind them, fans of the New York Giants are turning their focus to 2022.

The NFL released their “2022 important dates calendar” last week — many of which will exclude the Giants — but here are some that should be of interest.