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QB RB WR TE PK | All Non-IDP | DT DE DL ILB OLB LB CB S DB | Footballguys View | All the news | FBG News Blogger Archive
Texans | Lamar Miller working out Fri Jul 10, 09:11 AM
Free-agent RB Lamar Miller (knee) posted a video that showed him running and cutting after he missed the entire 2019 season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
| Footballguys view: Miller should be signed at some point this year as a veteran who will have a short ramp-up to NFL conditioning and assignments, but he might not get a call until there is an injury in camp or during the regular season. The Eagles might still be in the market for a veteran and should be on the short list of possible teams that would sign Miller without an injury in the backfield. |
Lamar Miller player page
Texans | Brandin Cooks the top target? Sat Jul 4, 09:48 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks will be QB Deshaun Watson's No. 1 target and lead the team in catches in 2020, in the opinion of Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com.
| Footballguys view: Cooks is more durable than Will Fuller, but has last year's concussion worries hanging over him. Kenny Stills and Randall Cobb will be the other main targets at wide receiver for Watson, who has to find a new go-to target to replace DeAndre Hopkins. None of them cost too much in drafts and any are worth picks at ADP because of the upside Watson presents in connection with his targets. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Jordan Akins logging reps with QB Wed Jun 24, 10:18 PM
Houston Texans TE Jordan Akins has been working out with teammates this offseason and has been catching passes from QB Deshaun Watson.
| Footballguys view: Akins had more receptions (36) and yards (418) than Darren Fells in 2019, including a 7.1 yards after the catch per reception rate which was 4th among tight ends last season. With Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring back healthy (and Fells as the starter) then we could see numbers dip for Akins in 2020. |
Jordan Akins player page
Texans | Kenny Stills goes deep often Sun Jun 21, 07:14 PM
Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills has been targeted 20 yards or more downfield 30 percent of the time in his career - the fourth-highest mark in the league since 2015.
| Footballguys view: Stills can make plays at the pro level and he's got strong chemistry with QB Deshaun Watson. The Texans have a new-look WR corps without DeAndre Hopkins and they are looking for someone to elevate their game. Brandin Cooks, Will Fuller and Stills are the top three options at the position. If Fuller gets banged up again, unfortunately a yearly occurrence, then Stills could easily be a flex-worthy options for Fantasy GMs in 2020. |
Kenny Stills player page
Texans | Few stretch the field like Will Fuller Sun Jun 21, 07:03 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller has been targeted 20 yards or more downfield 31 percent of the time in his career - tied for the second-highest mark in the league since 2015.
| Footballguys view: Fuller is your classic deep threat...and he can be a top weapon in the league if healthy. Unfortunately, Fuller is injured every year and has never played a full 16-game season in the pros. Without DeAndre Hopkins, the Texans could really use Fuller staying healthy and continuing to make plays. Fuller could post career-best numbers in 2020...again...if he can stay healthy. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson a downfield passing ace Fri Jun 19, 12:21 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson led the AFC with 28 big-time throws (Pro Football Focus' highest-graded throws on precise downfield passes) in 2019.
| Footballguys view: Watson is going to have to do even more of the work on third down with DeAndre Hopkins traded to Arizona. We'll see who emerges as his go-to target on key plays out of Will Fuller, Brandin Cooks, Randall Cobb, and Kenny Stills. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Very little short work for Will Fuller Sun Jun 14, 06:38 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller's average depth of reception has been at least 14.2 yards in each of his four seasons in the league, according to Sports Info Solutions.
| Footballguys view: Fuller's game is all about getting deep as fast as possible. He's got speed, speed and more speed...plus Fuller does a good job tracking passes down the field. If healthy, a big IF for Fuller, he has WR2 potential for Fantasy GMs in 2020. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Darren Fells a trusted red-zone option Sat Jun 6, 05:54 PM
Houston Texans TE Darren Fells led the team with nine red-zone receptions and seven touchdowns in 2019. His 11 red-zone targets shared the team lead with WR DeAndre Hopkins.
| Footballguys view: With Hopkins traded way, Fells might get a little more work in the red zone. However, his seven touchdowns are going to be tough to duplicate. Instead it might be better to project him for around 4-5 touchdowns in 2020. |
Darren Fells player page
Texans | Brad Seely retires Fri Jun 5, 05:26 PM
Houston Texans special teams coordinator Brad Seely announced his retirement Friday, June 5.
| Footballguys view: Seely has been in the league since 1989 and won three rings under Bill Belichick in New England. Houston's special teams improved 26th in the league before he took over in 2018 to 4th last year, according to Football Outsiders. The Texans did not name his successor, but assistant special teams coach Tracy Smith has worked with Seely for ten years and could take over seamlessly. |
Texans | Timmy Jernigan back on the market Tue Jun 2, 09:34 PM
Free-agent DT Timmy Jernigan verbally agreed to a one-year contract with the Houston Texans in April, but he never passed his physical with the team and no deal was ever processed by the league. As a result, he will not sign with Houston. However, Jernigan has been cleared by Dr. Robert Watkins and is expected to draw interest from other teams, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Link to storyTimmy Jernigan player page
Texans | Brandin Cooks primed to rebound? Mon Jun 1, 10:19 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks' catch rate of 59.2 percent in 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams was the second-lowest mark of his career, and Jared Goff recorded a passer rating of only 83.2 when throwing in his direction. However, Cooks' catch rate in three of his previous four seasons was at least 65.1 percent, and his quarterbacks over that stretch enjoyed a passer rating of 103.2 or better in each of the four years when targeting him.
| Footballguys view: Cooks comes into the Texans organization as a replacement for DeAndre Hopkins. Those are huge shoes to fill, so Cooks needs a bounce-back year which starts first with staying healthy. He then needs to establish strong chemistry with superstar QB Deshaun Watson. Cooks has a current ADP of WR32 (7.06) in 12-team PPR leagues. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Will Fuller got it done when he was healthy Wed May 27, 09:21 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller finished with 670 receiving yards in 2019 - the second-highest total for a player who played fewer than 12 games last season - although more than half of that total (357 yards) came in two of his 11 contests.
| Footballguys view: Fuller is incredibly talented but he's always banged up. He's never played a full 16-game regular season as a pro and he might not get through this year unscathed. The Texans traded away DeAndre Hopkins and that could open up things for Fuller to do more...if he can stay healthy. He's at least a WR2 and every-week starter when Fuller is on the field. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Kenny Stills got it done with limited chances Tue May 26, 09:16 PM
Houston Texans WR Kenny Stills caught 40 of 45 catchable targets and scored four touchdowns in 2019. Additionally, quarterbacks enjoyed a passer rating of 124.1 when throwing in his direction - the fifth-best passer rating for any receiver or tight end with at least 50 targets.
| Footballguys view: Stills should have continued importance in the Texans passing game. It will be interesting to see how they look without superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins on the field. That could mean more targets for Stills in 2020 who could have deep flex appeal in 2020. |
Kenny Stills player page
Texans | Duke Johnson to benefit from full offseason Tue May 26, 06:27 PM
Houston Texans RB Duke Johnson will gain a better understanding of the offense during his first full offseason with the team, according to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly. 'A lot of this stuff that we're covering right now, it's the first time (Johnson and David Johnson) really being able to kind of hear it in-depth and it's really, really good.'
| Footballguys view: Johnson can be utilized as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He'll be a change-of-pace back behind starter and lead back David Johnson. Duke Johnson has some deep flex appeal in PPR leagues because of his ability as a receiving back. |
Duke Johnson Jr player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson hits his mark with regularity Sun May 24, 06:05 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson was on target with 72.5 percent of his throws in 2019 - tied for the fourth-best mark by a quarterback with at least 300 pass attempts.
| Footballguys view: It's not just about being on target. Watson also does a good job of leading his receivers and throwing a catchable ball. It will be interesting to see the Texans passing game without superstar WR DeAndre Hopkins in 2020. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Coach optimistic about Will Fuller Wed May 20, 07:08 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) appears to be on track with his recovery from surgery, according to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly.
| Footballguys view: In four seasons (42 games), Fuller has never played a full 16-game season due to various injuries. We'll see if he can finally play all year long as the team needs him in a big way since they traded away DeAndre Hopkins. Fuller can be drafted as a WR4 with upside. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | Nick Martin a standout pass blocker Tue May 19, 08:56 PM
Houston Texans C Nick Martin blew a block on only 0.8 percent of his 631 snaps on passing plays in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The mark was tied for third among centers who played at least 300 snaps on passing downs last season.
Link to story Texans | False starts dogged Laremy Tunsil in 2019 Mon May 18, 11:26 PM
Houston Texans OT Laremy Tunsil was flagged an NFL-high 13 times for false starts in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The 13 false starts are four more than any lineman has been called for since at least 2015.
Link to story Texans | Jonathan Greenard to play multiple roles Mon May 18, 09:37 AM
Houston Texans third-round pick DE/LB Jonathan Greenard is expected to play SAM linebacker and five-technique defensive end, according to head coach Bill O'Brien. He's not expected to start immediately.
Link to story Texans | Darren Fells woeful as a run blocker in 2019 Sun May 17, 07:24 PM
Houston Texans TE Darren Fells blew a block on 15 of his 296 snaps on rushing plays in 2019, according to Sports Info Solutions. The resulting 5.1 blown-block percentage was the second-worst mark by a tight end since at least 2015, while the 15 blown blocks were the most by any tight end over the same span.
Link to storyDarren Fells player page
Texans | Jonathan Greenard inks rookie deal Thu May 14, 06:01 PM
Updating a previous story, Houston Texans third-round rookie LB Jonathan Greenard officially signed his four-year rookie deal Thursday, May 14. Financial terms weren't disclosed.
Link to story Texans | David Johnson did little after catch in 2019 Wed May 13, 11:37 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson led all NFL running backs with 139 air yards on his catches last season as a member of the Arizona Cardinals. Conversely, his 231 receiving yards after the catch was the fifth-lowest total for running backs with at least 40 targets.
| Footballguys view: Johnson needed a change of scenery as things fell apart for him with the Cardinals. He gets just that with the Texans in 2020. Johnson should be the lead back and can do plenty as a runner and receiver out of the backfield with this fresh start. |
David Johnson player page
Texans | Lonnie Johnson staying at CB Wed May 13, 03:39 PM
Houston Texans CB Lonnie Johnson will remain at cornerback and will not be an option at safety, according to defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver.
Link to storyAnthony Weaver player page
Texans | Jonathan Greenard agrees to terms Wed May 13, 03:03 PM
Houston Texans third-round draft choice LB Jonathan Greenard agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Texans Wednesday, May 13. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Link to story Texans | Charlie Heck signs deal Tue May 12, 03:20 PM
Updating a previous story, Houston Texans fourth-round OT Charlie Heck signed his four-year rookie deal Tuesday, May 12. The deal is worth a total of $4.005 million, including a $710,704 signing bonus.
Link to story Texans | Larry Warford may be option Fri May 8, 06:40 PM
Free-agent OG Larry Warford (Saints) is receiving interest from the Houston Texans.
Link to story Texans | Charlie Heck agrees to rookie deal Fri May 8, 06:26 PM
Houston Texans fourth-round draft choice OT Charlie Heck agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Texans Friday, May 8. Financial terms were not disclosed.
| Footballguys view: Heck is the son of former NFL player and current Chiefs offensive line coach Andy Heck. He's a tall, upright pass blocker with run game versatility who should be able to serve as the team's swing tackle. |
Texans | David Johnson declining in efficiency Thu May 7, 08:00 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson's 3.60 rushing yards per attempt since the start of the 2017 season rank fifth-worst among all running backs with a minimum of 200 attempts in that time. Johnson gained a total of 1,308 rushing yards with nine touchdowns on 363 attempts over his last 26 games played.
Link to storyDavid Johnson player page
Texans | Four-man rushes troubled Deshaun Watson Tue May 5, 09:27 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson completed only 52 percent of his passes against a four-man rush in 2019 - the second-worst mark in the league.
| Footballguys view: The Texans offensive line is a work in progress to say the least. Watson thrives when he's blitzed because he's got the athleticism to keep plays alive with his feet and evade the rush. He needs to be better when he's not pressured in 2020. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Brandin Cooks healthy, ready to ball Fri May 1, 04:52 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks, who has been traded three times in his six-year career, doesn't view being moved so regularly as a negative. 'I take it as a positive that I'm wanted, and that I'm valued at a high level still,' Cooks said. He said he feels blessed to be able to play with so many different teams and quarterbacks. Cooks also feels he can adjust quickly with new teams. 'Wherever I go, like I tell people, I'm going to ball. So I'm not worried about that,' Cooks added. Cooks said he's healthy. 'As far as the concussions, I'm feeling great and I look forward to playing football,' Cooks said. Texans head coach Bill O'Brien said Cooks is a tremendous route runner with great speed and is a really good deep-ball player. O'Brien also isn't worried about the concussions. 'Yes, he's had concussions, but he's only missed two games since 2015,' O'Brien said.
| Footballguys view: Cooks could be the No.1 receiver for the Texans this year if he can stay healthy. He'll team up with Will Fuller and Randall Cobb to give QB Deshaun Watson a nice trio of receivers to throw to...if they can stay healthy. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Houston giving Dylan Stapleton a shot Tue Apr 28, 11:24 PM
Undrafted free-agent TE Dylan Stapleton (James Madison) agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Houston Texans on Monday, April 27.
Link to story Texans | Deshaun Watson's option officially picked up Tue Apr 28, 03:19 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson had his fifth-year contract option exercised Tuesday, April 28.
| Footballguys view: The Texans were always going to make this move. It leaves Watson under their control for the next two seasons while they work on a long-term extension. Watson should be one of the highest paid quarterbacks in the league in the near future. We'll see if they get something worked out before the Chiefs hand Patrick Mahomes a well-deserved monster contract. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Deshaun Watson to have option picked up Mon Apr 27, 04:02 PM
Houston Texans QB Deshaun Watson's fifth-year option will be exercised this offseason, according to sources.
| Footballguys view: Zero surprise here. Watson is going to get a contract that makes him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league soon enough. The team plans on talking with Watson about a long-term contract at some point this offseason. |
Deshaun Watson player page
Texans | Tashaun Gipson released Mon Apr 27, 03:42 PM
Houston Texans FS Tashaun Gipson was released Monday, April 27, according to a source.
Link to storyTashaun Gipson Sr player page
Texans | Houston adding Nick Tiano Mon Apr 27, 02:07 PM
Undrafted free-agent QB Nick Tiano (Tennessee-Chattanooga) agreed to terms with the Houston Texans Monday, April 27, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Texans | Houston adds Anthony Kukwa Sun Apr 26, 09:16 PM
Free-agent LS Anthony Kukwa (Chargers) was signed by the Houston Texans Saturday, April 25.
Link to story Texans | Houston taking a shot on Scottie Phillips Sat Apr 25, 08:43 PM
Undrafted free-agent RB Scottie Phillips (Mississippi) agreed to terms with the Houston Texans on Saturday, April 25. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Texans | Tyler Simmons heading to Houston Sat Apr 25, 08:06 PM
Undrafted free-agent WR Tyler Simmons (Georgia) agreed to terms with the Houston Texans on Saturday, April 25. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Link to story Texans | Michael Thomas signed for one year Sat Apr 25, 08:32 AM
Updating a previous report, Houston Texans FS Michael X. Thomas' contract is for one year, according to his agent, Christina Phillips. Thomas is a Houston native and chose the Texans over several other unnamed teams in free agency. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Link to storyMichael Thomas player page
Texans | Laremy Tunsil extension terms Fri Apr 24, 02:51 PM
Updating a previous report, Houston Texans OT Laremy Tunsil contract extension with the team Friday, April 24, is a three-year, $66 million deal, with $50 million guaranteed and $40 due at signing.
Link to story Texans | Laremy Tunsil lands extension Fri Apr 24, 02:47 PM
Houston Texans OT Laremy Tunsil has agreed to terms with the team on a 'massive' contract extension Friday, April 24. Terms of the deal were not immediately available, but it's reported to be a short-term extension.
Link to story Texans | S Michael Thomas signing with HOU Fri Apr 24, 02:10 PM
Free-agent S Michael Thomas (Giants) has agreed to terms with the Houston Texans on Friday, April 24, according to a source.
Link to storyMichael Thomas player page
Texans | Houston talks with Yetur Gross-Matos Mon Apr 20, 04:45 PM
Penn State DE Yetur Gross-Matos had a video interview with the Houston Texans leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.
Link to story Texans | Houston interested in David Moa Sun Apr 19, 02:45 PM
Boise State DT David Moa has been in steady contact with the Houston Texans leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft.
Link to story Texans | Houston worked out Ross Blacklock Fri Apr 17, 06:05 PM
Texas Christian DT Ross Blacklock participated in a private workout with the Houston Texans before the NFL canceled visits.
Link to story Texans | David Johnson says he's motivated Fri Apr 17, 02:14 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson said Friday, Apri 17, he's eager to return to form with his new team. 'Basically, I have that chip back on my shoulder,' Johnson in a video conference call with reporters. 'I just want to get back to 2016, if not better than 2016.'
| Footballguys view: Johnson can be motivated all he wants, he needs to stay healthy and produce. A fresh start was needed for him after things fell apart with the Cardinals. We'll see if Johnson can stay on the field and contribute in a big way as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield. |
David Johnson player page
Texans | David Johnson to play big role Thu Apr 16, 07:09 PM
Houston Texans RB David Johnson is able to play in any situation, according to head coach/general manager Bill O'Brien Thursday, April 16. 'David Johnson is a three-down back who has had some very productive years. The type of guy he is, I'm so excited about having him ... in our locker room,' O'Brien said.
| Footballguys view: Johnson needs to stay healthy if he's going to produce at an expected level with his new team. He can work well as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He may never be the player he used to be, but Johnson's fresh start with the Texans has us intrigued. |
David Johnson player page
Texans | Trust in Brandin Cooks' health Thu Apr 16, 07:00 PM
Houston Texans WR Brandin Cooks' recent concussions aren't expected to be an issue in 2020 or beyond, according to head coach/general manager Bill O'Brien Thursday, April 16. 'Not to get into the details, but we feel really good at where Brandin's at, relative to his health,' O'Brien said. 'We really can't wait to start coaching him.'
| Footballguys view: Cooks has had multiple concussions that have knocked off his pro career. If healthy, Cooks has the speed to take the top off the defense. The Texans want to use Cooks as the replacement for DeAndre Hopkins. Good luck with that. |
Brandin Cooks player page
Texans | Will Fuller on the mend Thu Apr 16, 06:25 PM
Houston Texans WR Will Fuller (groin) is 'doing great,' according to head coach/general manager Bill O'Brien Thursday, April 16. 'We're excited about Will. We're excited about the 2020 Will. We feel like he's really working,' O'Brien said. 'Like I've said a lot, when he's played for us, he's made huge plays. I think he's looking to have a really good 2020.'
| Footballguys view: Fuller is great when he's healthy but he's rarely stayed healthy for that long. He's got plenty of speed and a great connection with QB Deshaun Watson. |
Will Fuller V player page
Texans | David Johnson passes physical with Houston Wed Apr 15, 04:01 PM
RB David Johnson passed his physical with the Houston Texans, which clears the final hurdle in the completion of the trade between the Texans and Arizona Cardinals that also included WR DeAndre Hopkins, who previously passed his physical with Arizona.
Link to storyDavid Johnson player page
