AFC South: Mike Brisiel
Texans line battle requires camp practices
May, 22, 2012
May 22
5:11
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Some battles for open jobs around the league may start to sort themselves out during OTAs and minicamps.
That’s not going to happen on the right side of the Texans offensive line, where the team will be replacing guard Mike Brisiel and tackle Eric Winston.
“Those things don’t normally sort themselves out until you put the pads on,” coach Gary Kubiak told Houston reporters Tuesday. “Right now it’s more finesse and positioning-type stuff.”
Antoine Caldwell (nickname: Gump) is at right guard and Rashard Butler is at right tackle now, and Kubiak said things look “about normal” like that.
“Time will tell,” Kubiak said. “Gump’s gotta stay healthy, stay on the field. Butler’s kind of been the same way. They will get pushed. I think (Derek) Newton is way ahead of where he was last year and this young guard (Brandon Brooks) has got a chance to be a heck of a player. It’s going to be a very good competition.
“I want to see (Caldwell and Butler) just compete. I want to see them hold up. That’s been the thing with both of them. They’ve had good spurts in their career but you’re looking for 16 weeks. One thing about our offensive line, all our guys play and stay on the field for a long time and these two guys need to be able to prove they can do that, too.”
The offensive line was a huge piece of why the Texans won the division and a playoff game last season. Replacing two-fifths of it is a big mission.
Running back Arian Foster said he’s confident the guys stepping in will step up.
“They have to,” Foster said. “That’s what this game is about. We proved that last year with that whole ‘next man up’ thing.”
That’s not going to happen on the right side of the Texans offensive line, where the team will be replacing guard Mike Brisiel and tackle Eric Winston.
“Those things don’t normally sort themselves out until you put the pads on,” coach Gary Kubiak told Houston reporters Tuesday. “Right now it’s more finesse and positioning-type stuff.”
Antoine Caldwell (nickname: Gump) is at right guard and Rashard Butler is at right tackle now, and Kubiak said things look “about normal” like that.
“Time will tell,” Kubiak said. “Gump’s gotta stay healthy, stay on the field. Butler’s kind of been the same way. They will get pushed. I think (Derek) Newton is way ahead of where he was last year and this young guard (Brandon Brooks) has got a chance to be a heck of a player. It’s going to be a very good competition.
“I want to see (Caldwell and Butler) just compete. I want to see them hold up. That’s been the thing with both of them. They’ve had good spurts in their career but you’re looking for 16 weeks. One thing about our offensive line, all our guys play and stay on the field for a long time and these two guys need to be able to prove they can do that, too.”
The offensive line was a huge piece of why the Texans won the division and a playoff game last season. Replacing two-fifths of it is a big mission.
Running back Arian Foster said he’s confident the guys stepping in will step up.
“They have to,” Foster said. “That’s what this game is about. We proved that last year with that whole ‘next man up’ thing.”
A day after they took Miami (Ohio) guard Brandon Brooks in the third round, the Houston Texans followed up with an odd offensive line choice.
Georgia center Ben Jones is a good player, but he’s very much a center. And Houston just re-signed veteran Chris Myers to man the spot.
Perhaps Jones is a backup center who can be tried at guard.
But the Texans lost their right guard (Mike Brisiel as a free agent to Oakland) and right tackle Eric Winston (as a salary cap cut).
Center certainly didn’t appear to be a spot they needed to address.
Georgia center Ben Jones is a good player, but he’s very much a center. And Houston just re-signed veteran Chris Myers to man the spot.
Perhaps Jones is a backup center who can be tried at guard.
But the Texans lost their right guard (Mike Brisiel as a free agent to Oakland) and right tackle Eric Winston (as a salary cap cut).
Center certainly didn’t appear to be a spot they needed to address.
Blogger Mock Draft Live has concluded.
The AFC South made one trade and four picks as we unrolled our final mock draft during a well-attended chat.
You can see how it all unfolded in the chat, and we’ve got the full mock draft here.
The Jaguars could well stay put at No. 7. They may have no choice as we hear that the trade market is largely non-existent.
I hardly got a haul from NFC East blogger Dan Graziano, who made a deal with me as the Eagles representative.
As the Jaguars, I got No. 15, No. 88 in the third round and gave up 176th in the sixth round in exchange for No. 153 in the fifth. That’s not a win on the trade value chart, but I think it’s outdated. I got an extra pick and an upgrade. Maybe I should have stayed put and taken defensive end Melvin Ingram. But at 15, I got the Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who could have gone inside the top 10. This would give the Jaguars nice depth at corner, with Derek Cox, Aaron Ross, Rashean Mathis if healthy, Gilmore and nickel specialist Drew Coleman.
Oh, I forgot my first pick, didn’t I? So unsurprising was the Colts selection of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
At 20, the Titans passed on Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in favor of USC defensive end Nick Perry. Tennessee could go corner, but they are hardly corner desperate. They aren’t desperate at end, either, I suppose, since they signed Kamerion Wimbley. But Perry’s got a combination of size and speed that can help the rush and make life easier on the corners the Titans already have.
At 26, my choice for the Texans was not especially well received by the masses. Prevailing wisdom says receiver, and that’s where I have gone in past mocks. But with Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston gone, that strong offensive line suffered two major dents. Antoine Caldwell or Rashad Butler will probably be good. But to bank on both seems risky. Put Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the mix, let him win one of those spots and the odds the line can be good again go up.
ESPN.com kindly provides space below for you to destroy me for these picks.
At least I hit on Luck, right?
The AFC South made one trade and four picks as we unrolled our final mock draft during a well-attended chat.
You can see how it all unfolded in the chat, and we’ve got the full mock draft here.
The Jaguars could well stay put at No. 7. They may have no choice as we hear that the trade market is largely non-existent.
I hardly got a haul from NFC East blogger Dan Graziano, who made a deal with me as the Eagles representative.
As the Jaguars, I got No. 15, No. 88 in the third round and gave up 176th in the sixth round in exchange for No. 153 in the fifth. That’s not a win on the trade value chart, but I think it’s outdated. I got an extra pick and an upgrade. Maybe I should have stayed put and taken defensive end Melvin Ingram. But at 15, I got the Gamecocks cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who could have gone inside the top 10. This would give the Jaguars nice depth at corner, with Derek Cox, Aaron Ross, Rashean Mathis if healthy, Gilmore and nickel specialist Drew Coleman.
Oh, I forgot my first pick, didn’t I? So unsurprising was the Colts selection of Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck.
At 20, the Titans passed on Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick in favor of USC defensive end Nick Perry. Tennessee could go corner, but they are hardly corner desperate. They aren’t desperate at end, either, I suppose, since they signed Kamerion Wimbley. But Perry’s got a combination of size and speed that can help the rush and make life easier on the corners the Titans already have.
At 26, my choice for the Texans was not especially well received by the masses. Prevailing wisdom says receiver, and that’s where I have gone in past mocks. But with Mike Brisiel and Eric Winston gone, that strong offensive line suffered two major dents. Antoine Caldwell or Rashad Butler will probably be good. But to bank on both seems risky. Put Wisconsin’s Kevin Zeitler in the mix, let him win one of those spots and the odds the line can be good again go up.
ESPN.com kindly provides space below for you to destroy me for these picks.
At least I hit on Luck, right?
» AFC Assessments: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South
Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major personnel losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got -- starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold on to players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
Houston Texans
Key additions: None.
Key losses: OLB Mario Williams, RG Mike Brisiel, CB Jason Allen, TE Joel Dreessen, RT Eric Winston (cut), ILB DeMeco Ryans (traded), FB Lawrence Vickers (cut), QB Matt Leinart (cut).
Keepers and finance: Not everyone got away. The Texans managed to keep two very important players. They re-signed running back Arian Foster before he reached restricted free agency. And after he'd explored the market some, they struck a deal with unrestricted-free-agent center Chris Myers, a vital piece to a line that lost the two starters on the right side when Winston was cut and Brisiel bolted to Oakland.
Ryans was not a full-time player in the 3-4 defense, and his price tag was high. While Houston takes a $750,000 hit this season, he’s cleared from the books in the future. That will help the team as it tries to make sure players like outside linebacker Connor Barwin and left tackle Duane Brown don’t get away like Williams did.
What’s next: Depth paid off in a big way in 2011 as the Texans managed to win the division and a playoff game despite major personnel losses. At several spots, like on the offensive line and at corner, the draft will serve to replenish the roster with the same kind of insurance.
But the Texans are not without need.
While they are likely to stick with Jacoby Jones as part of the team and like Kevin Walter, a more reliable and dynamic weapon to go with Andre Johnson at receiver is something they acknowledge wanting. A third outside linebacker can reduce the high-snap strain on Barwin and Brooks Reed. While they hope Rashad Butler will replace Winston and Antoine Caldwell will take Brisiel’s spot, adding a guy who can compete for one or both of those spots would be healthy.
Indianapolis Colts
Key additions: DE Cory Redding, WR Donnie Avery, C Samson Satele, S Tom Zbikowski, G Mike McGlynn, RT Winston Justice (trade), QB Drew Stanton (trade).
Key losses: QB Peyton Manning (cut), WR Pierre Garcon, TE Jacob Tamme, C Jeff Saturday, TE Dallas Clark (cut), LB Gary Brackett (cut), S Melvin Bullitt (cut), RT Ryan Diem (retired), WR Anthony Gonzalez, QB Dan Orlovsky, CB Jacob Lacey (not tendered), QB Curtis Painter (cut), DE Jamaal Anderson, G Mike Pollak.
So much we don’t know: We know background on coach Chuck Pagano and his coordinators and we know what Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson have said. But there will be a degree of mystery well into the season about what they intend to run and with whom. It’s unlikely to be a sweeping transition to a 3-4 defense, as it takes time to overhaul the personnel. But as they play a hybrid defense and move toward a conversion, they’ll need more than they’ve got -- starting with a nose tackle.
On offense, they’ve said they’ll use a fullback. That’s a major departure from the previous regime. And we don’t know if a Donald Brown-Delone Carter duo at fullback will be sufficient to run behind. They need help virtually everywhere after the cap purge and free-agency turnover. Not everything will get addressed as much as they’d like in their first offseason.
What’s next: I expect more role players like Zbikowski and McGlynn, more castoffs like Justice and Stanton and more guys who are presumed finished by a lot of teams, like Avery.
They are all guys who didn’t cost much but who have upside and can help, at least as role players. And if they don’t pan out, it’s hardly a death blow to Indianapolis' major, long-term plans. Money is limited with big dead-money charges and a $19 million cap hit for defensive end Dwight Freeney the team has indicated it's willing to carry.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Key additions: WR Laurent Robinson, CB Aaron Ross, QB Chad Henne.
Key losses: DT Leger Douzable (did not tender).
Keeping their own: The Jaguars did well to hold on to players who have been valuable to them. The top of that list belongs to safety Dwight Lowery. They traded with the Jets for him before last season, shifted him full time to safety and got good work from him before he was hurt. It was crucial for the team to stay fixed at the position where it was horrific in 2010 before signing Dawan Landry and adding Lowery.
They also re-signed defensive end Jeremy Mincey, a great effort defensive end who was overextended in terms of playing time last year. He’s no sack-master, but he’s going to bust it on every play, break through sometimes and make the opponent work hard to stay in his way. And with the lack of quality defensive ends who hit the market, the Jaguars did well to keep him from jumping to Chicago.
What’s next: Receiver has to be addressed beyond a change in position coach and the addition of Robinson. If it’s not in the first round, it needs to be early. The franchise is trying to maximize Blaine Gabbert’s chances to be a franchise quarterback, and few would be able to establish themselves with the current cast of wideouts.
The Jaguars are a top pass-rushing end away from being a top-flight defense. Can they find him seventh overall in the draft? They could tab someone like South Carolina’s Melvin Ingram, though it’s hard to say he or any rookie would be an immediate solution. Most ends need some time to become impact guys in the league.
The Jaguars could certainly look to add in the secondary free-agent market and when players are set free late in training camp.
Tennessee Titans
Key additions: DE Kamerion Wimbley, RG Steve Hutchinson.
Key losses: CB Cortland Finnegan, DL Jason Jones, WR Donnie Avery.
Sidetracked: Did the Titans miss out on real chances to sign either Scott Wells, who went to St. Louis, or Chris Myers, who stayed in Houston, as their new center because they were focused on chasing quarterback Peyton Manning? Perhaps. But when the owner declares that his executives and coaches need to put the hard sell on an all-time great QB with roots in the team’s state, that’s what you do.
Ideally, the team will still find an alternative to Eugene Amano. If the Titans find a new center to go with Hutchinson, who replaces free agent Jake Scott in the starting lineup, the interior offensive line could see a big improvement. That could have a big bearing on running back Chris Johnson, provided he takes care of his own business.
What’s next: The Titans think Wimbley will excel as a full-time defensive end, but they can’t afford for him to be too full time. He’s a smaller guy who’s played mostly as a 3-4 outside linebacker, and shouldn’t be asked to play every down of every game. That means they still need more help at end, where the only other guys they have right now are Derrick Morgan and Malcolm Sheppard.
Look for them to address depth at corner -- where they feel fine about Jason McCourty and Alterraun Verner as the starters, if that’s how it falls -- as well as at receiver. One wild-card spot could be running back. Are they content with Javon Ringer and Jamie Harper as changeups to Johnson, or would they like to add a big back?
A free-agency roundup for the AFC South so far. We're not including a team's own free agents that it has re-signed:
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Houston
Additions: None
Subtractions: OLB Mario Williams (Buffalo); RT Eric Winston (cut, Kansas City); CB Jason Allen (Cincinnati); G Mike Brisiel (Oakland); QB Matt Leinart (cut); Lawrence Vickers (Dallas).
Indianapolis
Additions: DL Cory Redding (Baltimore); RT Winston Justice (trade, Philadelphia); S Tom Zbikowski (Baltimore); C Mike McGlynn (Cincinnati).
Subtractions: WR Pierre Garcon (Washington); WR Anthony Gonzalez (New England); QB Dan Orlovsky (Tampa Bay); QB Peyton Manning (cut); LB Gary Brackett (cut); S Melvin Bullitt (cut), TE Dallas Clark (cut).
Jacksonville
Additions: WR Laurent Robinson (Dallas); QB Chad Henne (Miami).
Subtractions: ST-WR Kassim Osgood (cut).
Tennessee
Additions: G Steve Hutchinson (cut, Minnesota).
Subtractions: CB Cortland Finnegan (St. Louis); DL Jason Jones (Seattle).
Mailbag: The best answers I can offer
March, 17, 2012
Mar 17
10:03
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Kevin in Houston writes: Why is it taking so long to sign Chris Meyers, Mike Brisiel, Joel Dreessen and Neil Rackers? It's fairly clear the Texans were not going to be able to sign/afford Mario Williams. Did this not clear up enough room to get some of these key players back? It just feels like the Texans just don't care.
Paul Kuharsky: Teams don’t operate on fans’ timetables.
The Texans have re-signed Arian Foster and Chris Myers now. Brisiel, Dreessen and Rackers are nice pieces, but hardly urgent. So you let them see the market. If they hit the lottery, you say congrats. If they don’t, you wind up in a favorable position to get them back.
Why make the jump to “they don’t care?” Why wouldn’t they care?
Chris in Washington, D.C., writes: Your Tennessee bias has been on astounding display over the past week. Could you make it any clearer that you hope Peyton goes there? Last I checked, this is an AFC South blog, not a Titans blog. You should write accordingly. As a journalist, I don't have a whole lot of respect for your coverage right now. Or maybe ESPN "bloggers" should be held to a lesser standard?
Paul Kuharsky: Peyton Manning is the biggest story in sports right now. He’s not considering playing for Jacksonville or Houston. The Colts cut him, so any post about his potential landing spot is of interest to Indianapolis. I’d be writing a great deal about him even if one of his primary suitors was not in the division. But it is.
I’ve written about the goings on with other teams.
None, right now, have nearly as much going on as the Titans do.
That’s how it works -- the biggest story and most active team gets the most attention. When the Texans were in the playoffs, it was them. When the Colts were deciding on Manning, it was them. As the Titans court Manning, it’s them.
Bo from Spearfish writes: With Jax signing a decent WR (Robinson) and Mincey to stay at DE, what’s their first-round priority? CB? Or do they protect Gabbert with an OL pick. I personally would still prefer another set of hands opposite Robinson.
Paul Kuharsky: You can’t force a priority on a first-round pick, but they still need a big time pass-rusher and a corner. But wide receiver trumps all in my eyes, especially if Laurent Robinson is all they do in free agency.
Scott in Missoula, Mont., writes: Winston Justice? Really? Why in the world would the Colts take an overpaid, backup OT and give up their position in the sixth round, disregarding for a moment the fact they have Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana, instead of trying to court Evan Mathis, Ben Grubbs and/or Chris Myers, who are proven upper-echelon offensive linemen? Seems like the only positive move Ryan Grigson has had thus far is keeping Reggie Wayne to be Andrew Luck's #1 WR. Your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky: I think we give Winston a chance, just like we give Grigson and all the newcomers a chance. Ijalana’s hardly a sure thing himself. Grubbs and Myers were pretty costly and the Colts don’t have much money. And swapping sixth-rounders with Philly for Justice was hardly any cost at all.
Barry in Indy writes: I see where some teams offered a 1st or 2nd round tender offer to their FAs. Do you know if the Colts did this with Pierre Garcon? At this point, the Colts need all the draft picks they can get. Thanks in advance!
Paul Kuharsky: Tender offers are for restricted free agents. Teams are able to retain them with a tender offer, which gives them the right to match any offer sheet they might sign or get the draft pick attached to the tender as payback for not matching.
Teams have no power to attach anything to unrestricted free agents. The only thing they stand to get back later is a compensatory draft pick, third round or later, if the sum of their free-agent losses outweighs the sum of their gains. And those come in the draft the following year.
Michael from Cypress, Texas writes: No disrespect to Manning, but I think he'd be a great QB coach at Houston. Can you imagine TJ Yates and Matt Schaub getting tips from Peyton?
Paul Kuharsky: Actually I can’t imagine it at all. Why would he want to do that? He’s going to make a ton of money playing and has a chance to try to win another Super Bowl.
Paul Kuharsky: Teams don’t operate on fans’ timetables.
The Texans have re-signed Arian Foster and Chris Myers now. Brisiel, Dreessen and Rackers are nice pieces, but hardly urgent. So you let them see the market. If they hit the lottery, you say congrats. If they don’t, you wind up in a favorable position to get them back.
Why make the jump to “they don’t care?” Why wouldn’t they care?
Chris in Washington, D.C., writes: Your Tennessee bias has been on astounding display over the past week. Could you make it any clearer that you hope Peyton goes there? Last I checked, this is an AFC South blog, not a Titans blog. You should write accordingly. As a journalist, I don't have a whole lot of respect for your coverage right now. Or maybe ESPN "bloggers" should be held to a lesser standard?
Paul Kuharsky: Peyton Manning is the biggest story in sports right now. He’s not considering playing for Jacksonville or Houston. The Colts cut him, so any post about his potential landing spot is of interest to Indianapolis. I’d be writing a great deal about him even if one of his primary suitors was not in the division. But it is.
I’ve written about the goings on with other teams.
None, right now, have nearly as much going on as the Titans do.
That’s how it works -- the biggest story and most active team gets the most attention. When the Texans were in the playoffs, it was them. When the Colts were deciding on Manning, it was them. As the Titans court Manning, it’s them.
Bo from Spearfish writes: With Jax signing a decent WR (Robinson) and Mincey to stay at DE, what’s their first-round priority? CB? Or do they protect Gabbert with an OL pick. I personally would still prefer another set of hands opposite Robinson.
Paul Kuharsky: You can’t force a priority on a first-round pick, but they still need a big time pass-rusher and a corner. But wide receiver trumps all in my eyes, especially if Laurent Robinson is all they do in free agency.
Scott in Missoula, Mont., writes: Winston Justice? Really? Why in the world would the Colts take an overpaid, backup OT and give up their position in the sixth round, disregarding for a moment the fact they have Anthony Castonzo and Ben Ijalana, instead of trying to court Evan Mathis, Ben Grubbs and/or Chris Myers, who are proven upper-echelon offensive linemen? Seems like the only positive move Ryan Grigson has had thus far is keeping Reggie Wayne to be Andrew Luck's #1 WR. Your thoughts?
Paul Kuharsky: I think we give Winston a chance, just like we give Grigson and all the newcomers a chance. Ijalana’s hardly a sure thing himself. Grubbs and Myers were pretty costly and the Colts don’t have much money. And swapping sixth-rounders with Philly for Justice was hardly any cost at all.
Barry in Indy writes: I see where some teams offered a 1st or 2nd round tender offer to their FAs. Do you know if the Colts did this with Pierre Garcon? At this point, the Colts need all the draft picks they can get. Thanks in advance!
Paul Kuharsky: Tender offers are for restricted free agents. Teams are able to retain them with a tender offer, which gives them the right to match any offer sheet they might sign or get the draft pick attached to the tender as payback for not matching.
Teams have no power to attach anything to unrestricted free agents. The only thing they stand to get back later is a compensatory draft pick, third round or later, if the sum of their free-agent losses outweighs the sum of their gains. And those come in the draft the following year.
Michael from Cypress, Texas writes: No disrespect to Manning, but I think he'd be a great QB coach at Houston. Can you imagine TJ Yates and Matt Schaub getting tips from Peyton?
Paul Kuharsky: Actually I can’t imagine it at all. Why would he want to do that? He’s going to make a ton of money playing and has a chance to try to win another Super Bowl.
Reading the coverage …
Houston Texans
The Texans hope to avoid the worst-case defection scenario, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. (News in here: Tight end Joel Dreessen is headed to New Orleans for a visit. Right guard Mike Brisiel is visiting Oakland.)
Recently cut fullback Lawrence Vickers was not out of work long, quickly signing with Dallas, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
It’s a three-year, $10.5 million contract for defensive end Cory Redding, a building block for the Colts, says Phil Richards. Says Redding: “I believe we can get this thing turned right back around and just keep winning."
Reggie Wayne: Colt for life. Phillip B. Wilson on Reggie Wayne’s decision to re-sign with Indianapolis.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars landed their first two outside additions in Laurent Robinson and Chad Henne, says Tania Ganguli.
Why a multi-year deal for reserve linebacker Russell Allen makes sense for Jacksonville, from Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
Was it a long hello, or will Peyton Manning be putting down roots again in Tennessee? John Glennon of The Tennessean reports on Manning’s visit to the Titans headquarters.
Manning’s gut could push him to decide on the Titans, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
The Titans are also working on their offensive line, and hosted free-agent Scott Wells, says Glennon.
Houston Texans
The Texans hope to avoid the worst-case defection scenario, says John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. (News in here: Tight end Joel Dreessen is headed to New Orleans for a visit. Right guard Mike Brisiel is visiting Oakland.)
Recently cut fullback Lawrence Vickers was not out of work long, quickly signing with Dallas, says McClain.
Indianapolis Colts
It’s a three-year, $10.5 million contract for defensive end Cory Redding, a building block for the Colts, says Phil Richards. Says Redding: “I believe we can get this thing turned right back around and just keep winning."
Reggie Wayne: Colt for life. Phillip B. Wilson on Reggie Wayne’s decision to re-sign with Indianapolis.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars landed their first two outside additions in Laurent Robinson and Chad Henne, says Tania Ganguli.
Why a multi-year deal for reserve linebacker Russell Allen makes sense for Jacksonville, from Ganguli.
Tennessee Titans
Was it a long hello, or will Peyton Manning be putting down roots again in Tennessee? John Glennon of The Tennessean reports on Manning’s visit to the Titans headquarters.
Manning’s gut could push him to decide on the Titans, says David Climer of The Tennessean.
The Titans are also working on their offensive line, and hosted free-agent Scott Wells, says Glennon.
Wells emerges as Titans' top OL target
March, 14, 2012
Mar 14
1:25
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
While the Titans have talked to Chris Myers, Scott Wells has emerged as the team’s primary target in patching its interior offensive line.
Wells is from Nashville, Tenn., went to Brentwood Academy in the city and played at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
He’s a free agent who was part of Green Bay’s Super Bowl team two years ago. He should come cheaper than Myers, but signing him won’t come with the additional benefit of denting the rival Houston Texans.
“Myers is the better player -- and in his prime -- but Wells is a top-seven or eight center in this league, too, and also fits the Titans’ scheme,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “They really need interior line help. Wells is a tough guy that Mike Munchak will love.
"Houston can’t let that offensive line, which was the best in the league, fall apart. I’m not feeling what Houston is up to overall.”
The Texans cut right tackle Eric Winston and now risk losing Myers and Mike Brisiel in free agency.
They surely are hoping the Titans can land Wells, leaving Myers alone; not that other suitors won't emerge.
NFL Free-Agency Coverage
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• Graziano: Skins bet on WRs
• Seifert: Bears take care of Cutler
• Scouts: Deal great for Bears
• Scouts Inc.: Top 50 free agents
• Joyner: Best free-agent values
He’s a free agent who was part of Green Bay’s Super Bowl team two years ago. He should come cheaper than Myers, but signing him won’t come with the additional benefit of denting the rival Houston Texans.
“Myers is the better player -- and in his prime -- but Wells is a top-seven or eight center in this league, too, and also fits the Titans’ scheme,” said Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. “They really need interior line help. Wells is a tough guy that Mike Munchak will love.
"Houston can’t let that offensive line, which was the best in the league, fall apart. I’m not feeling what Houston is up to overall.”
The Texans cut right tackle Eric Winston and now risk losing Myers and Mike Brisiel in free agency.
They surely are hoping the Titans can land Wells, leaving Myers alone; not that other suitors won't emerge.
The Tennessee Titans have talked to center Chris Myers about jumping from Houston as a free agent, I just confirmed.
He’d be a great get for Tennessee and a terrible loss for Houston, which would make signing him a double win for the Titans.
The Titans’ early moves in free agency indicate a change of heart about the interior offensive line, which coach Mike Munchak, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, has steadfastly defended at times.
Left guard Leroy Harris and center Eugene Amano were not consistently strong run blockers in 2011. Right guard Jake Scott has reached free agency and the team has expressed no interest in him returning.
The Titans hosted former Seahawk and Viking guard Steve Hutchinson today and spoke with Myers. Hutchinson remained in Nashville overnight into Wednesday.
The team needs one quality player to replace Scott, and it could be either since Amano can play guard or center. If they got both veteran outsiders, it would make for quite a quality interior revamp.
The conversations send a great signal to Peyton Manning.
The Titans gave up just 24 sacks last year. With Hutchinson and/or Myers, the pass protection would likely be even better.
Houston, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose Myers. It cut right tackle Eric Winston yesterday. And in addition to Myers, right guard Mike Brisiel is now a free agent.
He’d be a great get for Tennessee and a terrible loss for Houston, which would make signing him a double win for the Titans.
The Titans’ early moves in free agency indicate a change of heart about the interior offensive line, which coach Mike Munchak, a Hall of Fame offensive lineman, has steadfastly defended at times.
Left guard Leroy Harris and center Eugene Amano were not consistently strong run blockers in 2011. Right guard Jake Scott has reached free agency and the team has expressed no interest in him returning.
The Titans hosted former Seahawk and Viking guard Steve Hutchinson today and spoke with Myers. Hutchinson remained in Nashville overnight into Wednesday.
The team needs one quality player to replace Scott, and it could be either since Amano can play guard or center. If they got both veteran outsiders, it would make for quite a quality interior revamp.
The conversations send a great signal to Peyton Manning.
The Titans gave up just 24 sacks last year. With Hutchinson and/or Myers, the pass protection would likely be even better.
Houston, meanwhile, cannot afford to lose Myers. It cut right tackle Eric Winston yesterday. And in addition to Myers, right guard Mike Brisiel is now a free agent.
Will Winston savings save someone else?
March, 12, 2012
Mar 12
7:17
PM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Texans right tackle Eric Winston announced on Twitter that he’s being released by the Texans in a move that’s got to be coming to help give the team enough money to make bids to keep outside linebacker Mario Williams and center Chris Myers.
Winston was slated to make a $5.5 million base salary in 2012.
Four tweets from Winston:
It’s a classy exit following surprising news.
The Texans' offensive line has been a team strength and Winston has been an effective player in helping spring Arian Foster for an awful lot of yards. When an O-line is a team strength, continuity is usually a big part of it.
The Texans now need a starting right tackle, and their center (Myers) and right guard (Mike Brisiel) are on the eve of becoming free agents.
Houston fans are surely hoping news of new contracts is coming before then.
As for Winston, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said he could see him landing in Washington, Seattle, Miami or with the Jets.
"Winston came to THE U as a TE, but just kept growing," Williamson wrote me. "Before blowing out his knee, many considered him a truly elite LT prospect. He fell in the draft a bit after his injury, but remains long, athletic and very mobile. Perfect for the system he was in with the Texans, and I thought he had a very good year. I bet the Skins would kill to get him."
Winston was slated to make a $5.5 million base salary in 2012.
Four tweets from Winston:
Unfortunately I have bad news. The Texans have decided to release me today. Although it is a surprise, I have nothing but positive memories
And great relationships that I have built over the years. While my future seems uncertain, I am confident I will land on my feet.
Let me say thank you to Mr. McNair and the whole Texan organization. They have had big role in the player and person I have become.
And last but not least to my fans and teammates. You guys are the absolute best! I will miss all of you more than you know.
It’s a classy exit following surprising news.
The Texans' offensive line has been a team strength and Winston has been an effective player in helping spring Arian Foster for an awful lot of yards. When an O-line is a team strength, continuity is usually a big part of it.
The Texans now need a starting right tackle, and their center (Myers) and right guard (Mike Brisiel) are on the eve of becoming free agents.
Houston fans are surely hoping news of new contracts is coming before then.
As for Winston, Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said he could see him landing in Washington, Seattle, Miami or with the Jets.
"Winston came to THE U as a TE, but just kept growing," Williamson wrote me. "Before blowing out his knee, many considered him a truly elite LT prospect. He fell in the draft a bit after his injury, but remains long, athletic and very mobile. Perfect for the system he was in with the Texans, and I thought he had a very good year. I bet the Skins would kill to get him."
Lost in a day that was busy thanks to Peyton Manning were new mock drafts from Todd McShay and Mel Kiper.
Here’s the fourth of four team by team reviews.
26) Houston Texans
McShay: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
"Wright will be looking to improve on the 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine when he runs at his March 21 pro day, but his stock hasn't been hurt much because he plays much faster than that on tape. Wright could add another explosive element to the Houston offense and offer the coaching staff all kinds of possibilities lined up opposite Andre Johnson."
Kiper: Wright
"When the Texans lost Andre Johnson last year, it completely eliminated their ability to stretch the field. That's a problem, because this is a system that thrives on regular use of play-action packages, and it loses a lot of juice if there's nobody around to challenge defenses deep. Wright can do that. His performance in Indy wasn't his best, but his tape shines -- you see a guy that plays fast in pads and beats people deep. His hands are also fine."
Kuharsky: Wright sounds like just the kind of weapon the Texans need to round things out. They could need an offensive lineman depending on what happens with free agents to be Chris Myers and Mike Brisiel. But they won’t be desperate for anything, so if they don’t love Wright and do love someone else, they could go anywhere.
Here’s the fourth of four team by team reviews.
26) Houston Texans
McShay: Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor
"Wright will be looking to improve on the 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine when he runs at his March 21 pro day, but his stock hasn't been hurt much because he plays much faster than that on tape. Wright could add another explosive element to the Houston offense and offer the coaching staff all kinds of possibilities lined up opposite Andre Johnson."
Kiper: Wright
"When the Texans lost Andre Johnson last year, it completely eliminated their ability to stretch the field. That's a problem, because this is a system that thrives on regular use of play-action packages, and it loses a lot of juice if there's nobody around to challenge defenses deep. Wright can do that. His performance in Indy wasn't his best, but his tape shines -- you see a guy that plays fast in pads and beats people deep. His hands are also fine."
Kuharsky: Wright sounds like just the kind of weapon the Texans need to round things out. They could need an offensive lineman depending on what happens with free agents to be Chris Myers and Mike Brisiel. But they won’t be desperate for anything, so if they don’t love Wright and do love someone else, they could go anywhere.
With Foster deal, Myers now Texans' focus
March, 5, 2012
Mar 5
8:56
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
That’s a relief.
The Houston Texans head into the 2012 league year with several difficult choices. But they’ve taken care of one major player, agreeing on a five-year contract with running back Arian Foster, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
That means the team won’t have to use the franchise tag on Foster, who would have been a restricted free agent who could have been lost to an offer sheet at the cost of a first-round pick.
Foster 
Myers The franchise still has a big list of pending free agents, including outside linebacker Mario Williams, center Chris Myers, guard Mike Brisiel, tight end Joel Dreessen and kicker Neil Rackers.
If the team can’t reach a deal with Williams, he’ll hit the market as the biggest defensive free agent. They cannot afford to use the franchise tag on him as it would be more than $22 million.
The franchise tag number for offensive linemen is the same for tackles, guards and centers — an unreasonably large grouping. The team likely can’t clear roughly $9.5 million to tag Myers either, and a long-term deal for him should now be the priority.
We don’t know Foster’s numbers yet on the five-year deal, but he was due a giant raise after playing as the biggest value in the league the past two seasons. He made $525,000 last season.
The Houston Texans head into the 2012 league year with several difficult choices. But they’ve taken care of one major player, agreeing on a five-year contract with running back Arian Foster, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle and ESPN's Adam Schefter.
That means the team won’t have to use the franchise tag on Foster, who would have been a restricted free agent who could have been lost to an offer sheet at the cost of a first-round pick.
If the team can’t reach a deal with Williams, he’ll hit the market as the biggest defensive free agent. They cannot afford to use the franchise tag on him as it would be more than $22 million.
The franchise tag number for offensive linemen is the same for tackles, guards and centers — an unreasonably large grouping. The team likely can’t clear roughly $9.5 million to tag Myers either, and a long-term deal for him should now be the priority.
We don’t know Foster’s numbers yet on the five-year deal, but he was due a giant raise after playing as the biggest value in the league the past two seasons. He made $525,000 last season.
Should the Texans consider Mike Wallace?
March, 2, 2012
Mar 2
10:34
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
In this Insider piece, K.C. Joyner lays out a four-point rationale for a team to pursue Mike Wallace, who will be a restricted free agent.
He concludes the Patriots, Niners, Ravens and Bengals would be the best teams to pursue Wallace with an offer sheet. If Wallace signs one and the Steelers don’t choose to match, the team that gets Wallace would surrender its first-round pick as compensation.
Two teams in the AFC South are receiver-needy and would at least have to discuss Wallace.
Jacksonville has the money, but holds the seventh pick, which would be a steep price to pay. Maybe Wallace is worth it. But the Jaguars can add a high-quality free-agent or two at no draft-pick cost, then add another very good player at No. 7.
Houston doesn’t have the money, but the 26th pick is a far more reasonable price. A dominant vertical receiver would really help the offense, and making life tough on the Steelers would be a bonus in a fight for playoff spots and positioning over the next several years.
Said Joyner when I asked him about Wallace and Houston: "Texans + Wallace = AFC Super Bowl favorites. Wallace & Johnson would be hands down best 1-2 WR tandem in NFL."
It will take a big contract to get Wallace, however. Mario Williams is probably gone, because they can't afford him, and they are attempting to lock up Arian Foster, Chris Myers and probably Mike Brisiel.
I don’t expect Houston will go for Wallace.
But they don’t have a ton of needs, even if they lose most of their free agents. If they can create the cap room, in part by parting with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, why not seriously consider it? Then they'd have Andre Johnson, Wallace, a kid like Jeff Maehl and a couple draft picks at receiver.
What do you think? Please chime in with this handy poll.
- Their level of need for a dominant vertical wide receiver
- Their salary-cap situation
- The level of first-round pick they would have to give up
- Their incentive level for making life tougher for the Steelers (from a salary-cap and/or personnel perspective)
Two teams in the AFC South are receiver-needy and would at least have to discuss Wallace.
Jacksonville has the money, but holds the seventh pick, which would be a steep price to pay. Maybe Wallace is worth it. But the Jaguars can add a high-quality free-agent or two at no draft-pick cost, then add another very good player at No. 7.
Houston doesn’t have the money, but the 26th pick is a far more reasonable price. A dominant vertical receiver would really help the offense, and making life tough on the Steelers would be a bonus in a fight for playoff spots and positioning over the next several years.
Said Joyner when I asked him about Wallace and Houston: "Texans + Wallace = AFC Super Bowl favorites. Wallace & Johnson would be hands down best 1-2 WR tandem in NFL."
It will take a big contract to get Wallace, however. Mario Williams is probably gone, because they can't afford him, and they are attempting to lock up Arian Foster, Chris Myers and probably Mike Brisiel.
I don’t expect Houston will go for Wallace.
But they don’t have a ton of needs, even if they lose most of their free agents. If they can create the cap room, in part by parting with Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, why not seriously consider it? Then they'd have Andre Johnson, Wallace, a kid like Jeff Maehl and a couple draft picks at receiver.
What do you think? Please chime in with this handy poll.
The money isn’t mine. I’m not certain about what you can afford and what the market will pay when free agency opens on March 13. I’m not positive about your plans and schemes.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at your free agents.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1. Make one, big solid offer to defensive end Mario Williams. Very soon. Tell him it’s the best you are going to be able to do now or later. Expect him not to take it. Prepare for life without him and the crushing reviews you’ll get when he goes to a place like Seattle or, worse, Jacksonville, and wreaks some havoc as a pass rusher. Take solace that he’s overpaid by his new team and will ultimately mess up its cap. Plan to draft a outside linebacker to be third in a rotation with Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed.
2. Free up money with the following moves: Cut receiver Jacoby Jones (due a $3 million base salary) and reserve quarterback Matt Leinart (due a $1.75 million base). Make it clear while you’d like to keep them on your team, you cannot pay inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans ($5.9 million), receiver Kevin Walter ($3.5 million base) or defensive tackle Shaun Cody ($2 million) the base salaries they are scheduled to make. Ryans is a good player and a great locker room guy. But he played 58 percent of the Texans' defensive snaps last season. He can't make that money for that time on the field.
3. Do what you need to do to hold on to running back Arian Foster, but realize you have control. He’s a restricted free agent. A team trying to lure him away with an offer sheet would have to give up a first-rounder for him, and as great as he is, a first round pick is a high price for a running back. I think you can be a little risky here in terms of not worrying about outsiders. An offer sheet could be front-loaded and hard to match straight up. Hopefully if he’s offered one, he’ll share the numbers because he likes you and you’ve give him an equivalent deal shaped differently to get him to steer clear of signing the sheet. With or without outside influence, you should be able to give him a deal he’ll like that has a smaller 2012 cap number than the franchise tag of nearly $8 million.
4. Find a way to lock up center Chris Myers and don’t worry about guard Mike Brisiel, who's not the same caliber and won't cost nearly as much, unless he can be had for cheap. While you’d like to keep both, Myers is a better player, who's more valuable and has a better injury history. He’s also more of a the leader of the group. You need him long-term to keep that great running game going. Antoine Caldwell can take over at right guard without major drop off. There is no obvious replacement for Myers on the roster, so they’d have to find one if you let him go.
But I’ve got a good sense of your team. We've looked at your free agents.
And here’s what I’d try to do with your major issues:
1. Make one, big solid offer to defensive end Mario Williams. Very soon. Tell him it’s the best you are going to be able to do now or later. Expect him not to take it. Prepare for life without him and the crushing reviews you’ll get when he goes to a place like Seattle or, worse, Jacksonville, and wreaks some havoc as a pass rusher. Take solace that he’s overpaid by his new team and will ultimately mess up its cap. Plan to draft a outside linebacker to be third in a rotation with Connor Barwin and Brooks Reed.
2. Free up money with the following moves: Cut receiver Jacoby Jones (due a $3 million base salary) and reserve quarterback Matt Leinart (due a $1.75 million base). Make it clear while you’d like to keep them on your team, you cannot pay inside linebacker DeMeco Ryans ($5.9 million), receiver Kevin Walter ($3.5 million base) or defensive tackle Shaun Cody ($2 million) the base salaries they are scheduled to make. Ryans is a good player and a great locker room guy. But he played 58 percent of the Texans' defensive snaps last season. He can't make that money for that time on the field.
3. Do what you need to do to hold on to running back Arian Foster, but realize you have control. He’s a restricted free agent. A team trying to lure him away with an offer sheet would have to give up a first-rounder for him, and as great as he is, a first round pick is a high price for a running back. I think you can be a little risky here in terms of not worrying about outsiders. An offer sheet could be front-loaded and hard to match straight up. Hopefully if he’s offered one, he’ll share the numbers because he likes you and you’ve give him an equivalent deal shaped differently to get him to steer clear of signing the sheet. With or without outside influence, you should be able to give him a deal he’ll like that has a smaller 2012 cap number than the franchise tag of nearly $8 million.
4. Find a way to lock up center Chris Myers and don’t worry about guard Mike Brisiel, who's not the same caliber and won't cost nearly as much, unless he can be had for cheap. While you’d like to keep both, Myers is a better player, who's more valuable and has a better injury history. He’s also more of a the leader of the group. You need him long-term to keep that great running game going. Antoine Caldwell can take over at right guard without major drop off. There is no obvious replacement for Myers on the roster, so they’d have to find one if you let him go.
First look at Texans heading for free agency
February, 21, 2012
Feb 21
7:33
AM ET
By
Paul Kuharsky | ESPN.com
Early thoughts on the Texans scheduled to become unrestricted free agents come March 13, with thanks to Mac’s Football Blog, where you can find complete team-by-team lists that include exclusive rights and restricted free agents.
Running back Derrick Ward -- A third-stringer who has good experience and could be important if Arian Foster is lured away with an offer sheet as a restricted free agent.
Tight end Joel Dreessen -- Though largely underrated from the outside, he’s been a nice contributor and certainly has value for the Texans.
OG Mike Brisiel -- A solid starter they’d surely like to keep in order for their very good offensive line to remain intact.
C Chris Myers -- A very valuable cog in the machine and a great system fit, he may have been the best center in the NFL in 2011.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson -- He was a non-factor as the team’s fourth receiver and they need to upgrade the spot.
Linebacker Tim Dobbins -- Played well when he got on the field, but may find better opportunity elsewhere.
Outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams -- If the Texans can’t lock him up before March 13, he will become the biggest prize of the free-agent class. It would be a huge accomplishment to find a way to re-sign him.
Cornerback Jason Allen -- He’s been a virtual “co-starter” with Kareem Jackson and has typically outplayed him. But based on this list, he’s not close to a priority.
Kicker Neil Rackers -- Rackers has been a steady guy for the Texans, who surely would like to keep him rather than shopping for a replacement.
Also UFAs:
Running back Derrick Ward -- A third-stringer who has good experience and could be important if Arian Foster is lured away with an offer sheet as a restricted free agent.
Tight end Joel Dreessen -- Though largely underrated from the outside, he’s been a nice contributor and certainly has value for the Texans.
OG Mike Brisiel -- A solid starter they’d surely like to keep in order for their very good offensive line to remain intact.
C Chris Myers -- A very valuable cog in the machine and a great system fit, he may have been the best center in the NFL in 2011.
Wide receiver Bryant Johnson -- He was a non-factor as the team’s fourth receiver and they need to upgrade the spot.
Linebacker Tim Dobbins -- Played well when he got on the field, but may find better opportunity elsewhere.
Outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams -- If the Texans can’t lock him up before March 13, he will become the biggest prize of the free-agent class. It would be a huge accomplishment to find a way to re-sign him.
Cornerback Jason Allen -- He’s been a virtual “co-starter” with Kareem Jackson and has typically outplayed him. But based on this list, he’s not close to a priority.
Kicker Neil Rackers -- Rackers has been a steady guy for the Texans, who surely would like to keep him rather than shopping for a replacement.
Also UFAs:
- QB Jake Delhomme
- QB Jeff Garcia
- OG Kasey Studdard
- DT Tim Bulman
- S Dominique Barber
- P Matt Turk
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Paul Kuharsky
Kuharsky joined ESPN.com in 2008 after 12 years covering the Oilers/Titans and the NFL for The (Nashville) Tennessean. The New Jersey native and Columbia graduate lives in Nashville with his wife and son.
