After a flurry of unexpected, offseason moves including the untimely departure of All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins, the Houston Texans find themselves in a precarious decision. For the first time since prior to Andre Johnson’s arrival — 2003 — the franchise finds itself without a WR1. And while the market remains thin in that regard, there is one player still available who may fit the mold.
26-year-old Robby Anderson, a 2016 undrafted free agent from Temple back finds himself looking for a new home after four productive seasons with the New York Jets. The speedster may not have the accolades of a typical top receiving target, but given the Jets offenses he has had to work during his time in the Big Apple, 3,059 receiving yards in 47 starts is an impressive return.
While the Texans and general manager Bill O’Brien would undoubtedly have to shell out to acquire his services, he wouldn’t command the $18-20 million that Hopkins was reportedly looking for.
A good route runner with impressive top-end speed, Anderson has the versatility to be moved both inside and outside in any offensive scheme, meaning he could easily fit the role Hopkins has been playing the last few years and at 6-3 he would provide Deshaun Watson with the tall receiving target this receiving corps now lacks.
Houston’s other option would be to delve into this year’s deep receiving class to find their new starter. However, given their lack of a first-round pick, this strategy may prove to be risky at best. Anderson is proven, experienced, and a good fit for the system.
O’Brien, it’s your move.
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