The Houston Texans continue to undergo a bit of an offensive change after they released long-time wide receiver Andre Johnson. The team continues to try and figure out a starting quarterback option for 2015, signing several options while they must try to replace the hole left by Johnson on the field. While many assumed Ryan Mallett would enter 2015 as the starter, contracts suggest Brian Hoyer could get the nod.
The Houston Texans might one day regret not taking a quarterback in an earlier round during the 2014 NFL Draft, but for right now they are placing their faith in Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett after trading away Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Texans are hoping to get some offensive stability and while head coach Bill O'Brien continues to sign the praises of Mallett, does Hoyer have the edge in the starting job?
Going off contract alone, Hoyer gets the start over Mallett. Both players re-signed in free agency. Hoyer inked a deal worth two years and $10.5 million with $4.75 million in guaranteed money. Mallett signed a two-year deal worth $7 million with just over $1.75 million in guaranteed money. Hoyer does have more success and a lengthier resume than Mallett who remains relatively unproven in his career. The Texans will likely have a quarterback competition entering the 2015 season whether the team publicizes it or not as both have about the same skillset and struggles.
While the quarterback situation works itself out, the Texans are still trying to replace Andre Johnson after releasing the long-time wide receiver. According to NFL.com, the team is bringing in Cecil Shorts for a workout as he is considered one of the better free agents on the market. Shortsi s younger and more athletic, but his stats leave a lot to be desired after playing through the quarterback carousel that has been with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Greg Jennings, Michael Crabtree and Hakeem Nicks are also available for the team.
One thing not changing is Arian Foster in the backfield. The aging running back will return for another season in Houston and O'Brien is confident he has plenty of running days left in him.
"I think any time a player reaches close to that age of 30 and you know that the guy can still play, you know that he's a very talented player," O'Brien said, via the Houston Chronicle. "Arian's a very talented guy in a lot of phases. He can run the ball. He can catch. He's a good pass protector. He's a smart player, but you've got to manage him. How do you manage that? You manage him in practice. You manage him in the games. That's something we'll always take into account."
