According to Houston Texans owner Bob McNair, the team does not have a quarterback issue. The roster says differently. After trading away former starter Matt Schaub, the Texans are left with journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick, two young quarterbacks and the newly drafted Tom Savage. As the team continues negotiations for a trade for Patriots backup Ryan Mallett, are there other options they could pursue?
Most NFL Draft experts do not see Savage being ready to start in 2014. Both TJ Yates and Case Keenum tried and failed last season as starters and while Fitzpatrick might be capable, his resume does not inspire much confidence in the Texans faithful. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported on Monday that the Texans and the New England Patriots were still discussing a deal involving Mallett. The trade makes sense given how familiar head coach Bill O'Brien is with Tom Brady's backup and many believe that when given the chance, Mallett could develop into a real star of the NFL.
However, John McClain of the Houston Chronicle disputes Rapoport's report saying the Texans have no intentions of making a deal for Mallett in the near future. McClain believes Houston has full faith in Fitzpatrick as a leader of the team thank to an improved offensive line. The team will then work to develop Savage as the future in possibly 2015. McNair supports that statement saying he thinks the Texans are set for the future.
"I think people are always concerned about that position because it's such a difficult position," McNair said, via ESPN.com. "[Tom Savage has] got the attributes that could allow him as he develops to become a good NFL quarterback. That's what we were looking at. He's big, he's strong and he really only played about two years in college. He's got a lot to learn but he's a guy that Bill [O'Brien] and Rick [Smith] liked early on."
If Rapoport is right and the Texans are still in brief discussions for Mallett, then they are not completely satisfied with their current options. If Houston is looking at possibly bringing in another quarterback which is speculation given the difference in opinions in Rapoport and McClain, who else could they pursue? Both Christian Ponder and Kirk Cousins could be available for 2015 draft picks. The Redskins are always willing to acquire a pick or two and have marked Cousins with a third round pick or higher. Ponder would come cheap, but the talent is lacking. There is also Giants' backup Ryan Nassib who has come up since Josh Freeman signed a contract.
It is hard to imagine Fitzpatrick having more success than Schaub. The Texans are his fifth team since 2005. Last season with the Tennessee Titans, he tossed 12 interceptions in 11 games. Savage might not develop as quickly as the Texans are hoping and Yates and Keenum are not much better. There are options should McNair change his tone.
