Tag: Texans receivers

South Carolina WR Xavier Legette sees similarities between C.J. Stroud & Patrick Mahomes

In an exclusive interview with Texans Wire, South Carolina star receiver Xavier Legette explains why he sees Patrick Mahomes in C.J. Stroud.

The Houston Texans have two Round 2 selections entering the 2024 NFL draft.

Currently slotted to select at No. 42 and No. 59 overall, the Texans could be on the move. General manager Nick Caserio even addressed the potential of losing a draft pick or two in hopes of gaining a premier talent.

“Given our history, it will probably change at some point,” Caserio said Thursday.

The second round is expected to be rich with defensive contributors that second-year coach DeMeco Ryans may need for a potential Super Bowl run.  But the draft also features one of the deepest receiver drafts in years, meaning a difference-maker could be found on Day 2.

One of those players is South Carolina wide receiver Xavier Legette, who believes Houston’s C.J. Stroud might be near the same level as three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes.

“Playing with C.J. Stroud, that’s almost just as good as playing with Pat Mahomes,” Legette told Texans Wire in an exclusive interview. “Stroud, he’s young and he did a great job his rookie season. If I’m blessed enough to go there, we could do some damage.”

Legette broke out as a fifth-year senior with 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns during his final season with the Gamecocks. After Juice Wells suffered a season-ending injury in Week 3’s loss to Georgia, the South Carolina native became the only significant play-maker for Spencer Rattler and the passing game in Columbia.

Legette might not be the first choice for Houston following the trade for Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, but he has met with the franchise since the pre-draft process began back in January.

“They were my first meeting,” Legette said of his interactions with Houston at the Senior Bowl.

Legette proved during the week-long event his capabilities of being a game-changing receiver. Houston has coveted players who previously participated in the Senior Bowl under Caserio’s watch, including prospects like Nico Collins, Jalen Pitre and Tank Dell.

Legette’s praise for Stroud, however, comes with a high honor. Mahomes remains the league’s top passer and should be considered a lock to reach the NFL Hall of Fame after securing three Super Bowl titles before turning 30.

Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year after becoming the fifth passer in league history to throw for 4,000-plus yards in his first year, could soon be a consistent MVP candidate. While he may have a ways to go to reach Mahomes’ accolades, their talent is uncanny between the two gunslingers.

For a franchise that a year ago was considered one of the league’s worst, it is a miraculous turnaround that aspiring players entering the league believe their quarterback situation is akin to having a league MVP.

Stroud will carry heavy expectations and high Super Bowl odds entering his second year, though Mahomes had the same expectations entering his sophomore year as a starter. He went on to defeat San Francisco for his first Lombardi Trophy.

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Legette recently partnered with Six Star Pro Nutrition to help launch their new protein shake in Kellogg’s Froot Loops cereal flavor. The cereal-flavored product, which hits the shelves this month, will be available exclusively at Sam’s Clubs locations.

Report: Texans not expected to pursue wide receiver Mike Evans

The Houston Texans won’t sign high-profile wide receiver Mike Evans this offseason.

The connections have been easy to make for nearly a year and a half.

Mike Evans, the Galveston, Texas, native and likely future NFL Hall-of-Fame wide receiver was always going to hit free agency. The connections with the Houston Texans were inherently obvious between their ample cap space, rookie quarterback and need for offensive talent infusion if they want to compete in a top-heavy AFC conference.

Despite all that, though, it doesn’t sound as though the two are destined to be together. The Texans won’t pursue Evans this offseason, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.

Financial concerns with the contract Evans seeks, trust in young receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell and the team’s desire to work out an extension with Collins prior to the start of the 2024 campaign weighed into this decision, per Wilson.

This may be disappointing for fans who are hoping to see the Texas A&M legend join a Houston squad that will have Super Bowl aspirations in 2024. However, it very likely could be in the best interest of the team to spend those resources on defense and other positions as they’re planning.

Collins and Dell looked like legitimately capable starting NFL wideouts in 2023 with C.J. Stroud under center. Head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense, despite bright spots, showed a far more desperate need for additional help.

It remains to be seen if the Texans’ lack of interest in Evans is indicative of their plans for the position as a whole this offseason just with regards to Evans. The legal tampering period for agents of free agents to speak with teams begins March 11, while free agency officially begins on March 13.

Texans WR Nico Collins interested in extension this offseason

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins is ready to cash in after a career year in 2023.

Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins just came off a breakout season.

The third-year receiver, under new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and rookie phenom C.J. Stroud, caught 80 receptions on 109 targets for 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns this past season. It was a huge performance that put Collins on the map nationally for fantasy football fans and helped Stroud have one of the most successful rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history.

Now, the Michigan product is ready to be paid and secure his future with the team.

KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reported on Friday that Collins is ready to pursue extension conversations now that he is finally eligible after his third season.

“That would be great,” Collins said on the prospect of signing a long-term deal. “I feel like that’s what everybody works for. I’m just going to let it come to me, whatever they decide, whatever they want to do. I’m going to let it ride. Me, I’m going to continue to get better and work on my game. If they want to negotiate, we can.”

It could potentially be an advantageous proposition for both parties.

Collins could secure an extension after a career season that came after two years where he struggled to stay healthy. His value might never be higher, either, if suffers another injury or has a less productive season.

For Houston, they could lock down Collins –who showed the potential to be a No. 1 wide receiver – at a far cheaper price than what top receivers are currently finding on the market and lock in their top duo alongside 2023 rookie Tank Dell. Justin Jefferson, Mike Evans, CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk and Tee Higgins could all command monster salaries this offseason, and Ja’Marr Chase will be eligible in 2025.

It’s unclear what price Collins would currently fetch. The NFL’s best receivers are seeing upwards of $20 million per year and it’s quite possible that Collins would cost $25 million or more from another team if he was to hit unrestricted free agency after next season.

Fans will have to wait and see if the team can work out a deal with one of the first players that general manager Nick Caserio drafted. It’s very encouraging that the team appears well poised, both financially and relationally, to retain their best home-grown talent.

Texans’ receiving corps considered ‘a piece or two or three’ from being good

The Houston Texans’ receiving corps still needs some work to be one of the better units in the league.

The Houston Texans still need help at wide receiver.

According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, the Texans are in the category of teams that need “a piece or two or three” for their receiving corps to be a good unit.

Like with most of the positions on the Texans’ roster, there are a lot of unknowns at receiver. Will [Brandin] Cooks stand firm on his desire not to be part of another rebuilding year? Given the dearth of free-agent options, WR-needy teams should be checking with Houston on the veteran’s availability. But if the plan is to break in a rookie quarterback, would the Texans want to jettison their best big-play threat? [Nico] Collins is a solid target but hasn’t stayed healthy, and [John] Metchie is a wild card after missing his entire rookie season due to leukemia. Houston has more prominent needs, but adding more young talent to the WR room is on the wish list.

Believe it or not, the category of “a piece or two or three” is one step up from “need immediate help,” which is where it seems like the Texans really are.

More than additional talent, what the Texans could use is consistency from the corps they have. Cooks had one of his worst seasons in terms of health in 2022; he played in 13 games, the second-lowest total of his career. Collins also missed seven games after just missing three in his rookie season. Together Cooks and Collins missed Weeks 8, 14 and 15.

Should the Texans draft a receiver with their additional selection at No. 12 overall, it would demonstrate a willingness to move on from Cooks. The timing would come into question — taking a wideout in the first round and keeping Cooks could indicate Houston might shop the veteran near the end of preseason.

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Nico Collins appreciates veterans in Texans’ WR room

Houston Texans receiver Nico Collins values the insight and lessons from the veteran receivers as the team works through training camp.

Nico Collins is still feeling his way in the NFL.

The former third-round receiver from Michigan played 14 games for the Houston Texans last year, logging eight starts. In Collins’ 536 snaps on offense, he caught 33 passes for 446 yards and a touchdown.

The 6-4, 215-pound wideout is undergoing a soft reset as the Texans transition from former offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s scheme to that of new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton. The emphasis is on playing up-tempo and getting the plays out quickly.

Collins is relying on the veteran experience in the receiver room to help him flourish in his second season.

“I appreciate all the vets in our room, (Brandin Cooks), Chris Conley, Phillip Dorsett, [receivers coach and pass game coordinator] Ben (McDaniels), everybody,” Collins told reporters after the fifth day of training camp on Aug. 3 at Houston Methodist Training Center. “Guys have been in the league for a minute, so they know what to expect.”

Cooks is the most prolific of the group as he has hauled in 573 catches for 7,917 yards and 46 touchdowns through 119 career games in eight seasons. The former New Orleans Saints 2014 first-round pick from Oregon State has also recorded six seasons of at least 1,000 yards receiving, including two in his time with the Texans.

“As a young guy, that’s who you want to look up to,” Collins said. “I feel like they’ve helped us out 100% of the way, every step, every young guy that got here. They’re always helping us get better and we’re always picking their brains, so I appreciate them a lot.”

In Hamilton’s offense, Collins knows that he will have chances to get his hands on the football. When his number is called, he has to come through for second-year quarterback — and fellow 2021 third-rounder — Davis Mills.

“Just get everybody opportunities to make plays on the ball,” said Collins. “Everybody get a chance, make plays. When the ball comes your way, it’s time to make a play.”

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Texans sign WR Phillip Dorsett to active roster along with 4 other moves

The Houston Texans have signed receiver Phillip Dorsett to the active roster among other roster moves ahead of Week 14.

The Houston Texans have signed Phillip Dorsett to the active roster after signing the former Indianapolis Colts first-round pick to the practice squad a week ago.

Dorsett spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Seattle Seahawks earlier this season, providing a catch for three yards on two targets through three games with both squads.

With the open practice squad spot, the Texans used it to sign back rookie receiver Damon Hazelton.

The Texans also placed running back Jaylen Samuels on the COVID-19 reserve.

Houston also designated defensive back Grayland Arnold and defensive lineman Chris Smith as their two standard practice squad elevations for Week 14 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Texans WR Brandin Cooks says he respects the game ‘too much’

Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks explains why he kept giving it maximum effort even though the Indianapolis Colts had the sweep well in hand.

The Houston Texans’ penultimate drive with 6:29 to go in the game wasn’t going to makeup for their 24-0 deficit to the Indianapolis Colts Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium.

It was highly improbable Houston would get three more chances at the ball, score on each one, convert three two-point conversions, and turn the Colts three-and-out every possession.

The Texans were well on their way to 2-10 and their second straight season of double-digit losing campaigns — the first such instance since 2005-06.

Yet Brandin Cooks was going all out as if it were a potential game-winning drive. On a fourth-and-15 from the Texans’ 26-yard line with 5:38 to go, Cooks caught a short crosser from rookie quarterback Davis Mills and sprinted for the line to gain near the left sideline.

Cooks joined Texans Radio play-by-play Marc Vandermeer and sideline reporter John Harris on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Monday to explain why he kept giving maximum effort despite the results well in hand.

“At that point, you obviously, for the most part, you know the game is over, but just the way I play the game, I respect the game too much and so do the guys out there on the field that continue to play,” said Cooks. “We’re just trying to find a way to stay on the field and get something positive for the offense. Hopefully, we score some points or something like that.

“But when I saw the marker, I thought to myself to at least give it a try no matter what the situation is, because you’re trying to play the game like you’re trying to win it.”

Cooks was inches short and the ball went back to the Colts, who padded their lead with a Deon Jackson 3-yard touchdown run to establish the game’s 31-0 final score.

The Texans offense finished with 141 yards total offense. Cooks accounted for three catches for 38 yards and a carry for 16 yards.

Texans WR Brandin Cooks says offense must find ways to be consistent

Houston Texans receiver Brandin Cooks says the offense needs to find ways to move the ball and sustain drives.

It is one thing to get shutout 31-0 at home; it is another to post 141 yards of total offense in the year 2021 when the NFL has geared the game towards the offense.

That is the reality the Houston Texans must live with after getting swept by their AFC South rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday afternoon at NRG Stadium. The Texans fall to 2-10 on the year and have faced their second shutout of the season.

According to receiver Brandin Cooks, who joined Texans Radio play-by-play Marc Vandermeer and sideline reporter John Harris on Sports Radio 610 [KILT-AM] Monday, it is incumbent on the offense to find ways to start moving the ball and playing more consistently.

“The biggest thing is moving the ball,” Cooks said. “I know that sounds so cliche, and, like, ‘Of course you want to move the ball.’ But quite frankly we haven’t been moving the ball well at a consistent level. So, being able to run it, pass, throw it well, and sustaining those third-and-managables the best we can. And everything else will take care of itself.”

Cooks finished the game with three catches for 38 yards and took a reverse for 16 rushing yards.

“That’s the first thing,” Cooks said. “We got to be disciplined, move the ball, protect it, and find a way to try to get this thing going.”

The Texans may have another change at quarterback on the horizon as rookie Davis Mills finished the game for Tyrod Taylor, who had a hyperextended wrist and left late in the third quarter.

Texans WR Chris Moore looking forward to another chance with the offense

Houston Texans receiver Chris Moore says that he is looking forward to having another chance to contribute to the offense.

The Houston Texans have had to manage injuries and availability issues throughout 2021, which has been a part of their 2-9 record.

The Texans are having to shuffle the receiving corps again as Danny Amendola had arthroscopic knee surgery and could be out the rest of the season.

In Amendola’s place is receiver Chris Moore, who caught nine passes for 123 yards and a touchdown in the four games the former New England Patriots wideout was absent with a hamstring injury.

Moore has been active since, but had his snap count on offense virtually cut in half down to around 16 snaps once Amendola returned. Moore is expected to get more playing time once more, and his approach is the same as earlier in the year.

“Just the same thing I did last time, just studying the plays, making sure I know what my job is out there, and that when they call my number, I’ll be ready to perform,” Moore said.

Moore’s last game with over 30 snaps on offense was against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6, when he caught four passes for 14 yards in a 31-3 loss at Lucas Oil Stadium. While Moore knows as a six-year veteran that consistency is key, learning from the initial Colts encounter to find advantages in the rematch is critical.

Said Moore: “This is the second time we’ve played the Colts, so we got to watch some film on them, so that’s going to help a lot. At the end of the day, it’s just about me studying my plays, knowing what I’ve got to do out there in my role.”

Houston takes on the 6-6 Colts Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at NRG Stadium. The Texans have not beaten Indianapolis since Nov. 21 on Thursday Night Football when Houston edged the Colts 20-17 at NRG Stadium.

Texans WR Danny Amendola plans to finish season after knee surgery

Houston Texans receiver Danny Amendola says that he plans to finish the season following his arthroscopic knee surgery.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans wide receiver Danny Amendola underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday, as first reported by Aaron Wison of Sports Talk 790.

With six games left until the conclusion of the 2021 season, speculations arose on whether or not the 36-year-old native of The Woodlands had played his final snap for the dreadful 2-9 Texans. But Amendola plans to return to the field once cleared by team doctors.

“I am working day-to-day, and I plan to take it week-to-week to get back as soon as I can,” Amendola said at eBay’s Hard to Find Gift Shops on Friday. “I am trying to help this team win. I am excited about the future. And I am excited to see what this team can do. I am ready to get back to helping in every way that I can.”

Amendola said the procedure was a minor clean-up after sustaining a knee injury during the Texans’ 21-14 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.

He always anticipated a return following the surgery. Had there been any doubts about his comeback, Amendola would have opted to push the operation to the off-season.

“I just love playing the game,” he said. “I have a lot of respect for the game and how far it has come. I’m excited about the direction this team is going, and I want to help this team win more games.”

Amendola signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million to join the Texans in September, where he has recorded 17 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown through seven games played.

Prior to his knee injury, Amendola missed four consecutive games due to a hamstring strain sustained during the Texans’ Week 2 loss to the Cleveland Browns.