Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio hit singles and doubles throughout the first week of free agency, and he may not be done bolstering the roster with veterans.
As much as Caserio did for the roster, needs still remain. According to Anthony Treash of Pro Football Focus, the biggest needs include defensive line, wide receiver and probably quarterback.
The outcome of the Deshaun Watson situation is going to alter the Texans’ franchise significantly for the coming years. At this point, all signs point to Watson — the third-highest-graded passer in 2020 — not playing another down in a Houston uniform.
It might be in Houston’s best interest to tank if it can’t secure an early pick to put the team in position to take BYU’s Zach Wilson or Ohio State’s Justin Fields. The boatload of one- and two-year free agency deals the Texans handed out allude to a rebuild, and a Watson-less roster would put them in contention for the No. 1 overall pick in 2022. Oklahoma quarterback Spencer Rattler is the frontrunner to be that first pick after he ranked second to only Mac Jones for highest passing grade in the Power Five in his first full season as starter in 2020 (92.5). If Watson is out for pennies on the dollar, Houston should consider this path.
Despite the fact that Watson faces 14 civil lawsuits from as many women alleging sexual assault, and the NFL is investigating the claims as it pertains to its personal conduct policy, teams are still interested in trading for the three-time Pro Bowler. If Houston is able to execute a trade ahead of this year’s draft, they will address the quarterback position immediately and put receiver and defensive line on the back burner for next offseason.
In addition to Watson, the Texans have QBs Tyrod Taylor and Ryan Finley on the roster.