After opting not to tender 24-year-old offensive tackle Roderick Johnson, the Houston Texans have backtracked somewhat resigning the former Cleveland Brown fifth-rounder to a one-year $1.75 million deal, according to Aaron Wilson.
The swing tackle proved a reliable backup for the Texans in 2019, and invaluable once rookie right tackle Tytus Howard’s promising first season was cut short due to injury.
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson led the Texans’ offensive line in the preseason with a 75.4 grade, eventually finishing the regular season with a grade of 67.9 this trailed only Pro-Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil among linemen who had played at least 100 snaps.
Given that he drew just one penalty and allowed only three sacks in 364 offensive snaps last season, their decision not to tender him in the first place and risk him testing free agency is baffling at best. Especially when their recent turnover on the offensive line is taken into consideration, why Bill O’Brien initially opted against keeping one of their more consistent performers last year is yet another questionable decision on his part to be added to the ever-growing pile.
With Johnson now returning, the Texans slowly improving offensive line can pick up where they left off. Next step, re-sign Tunsil to a likely record-breaking deal and search for an upgrade at right guard.
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