Houston Texans Should Address QB Through Free Agency and Draft

I’m sure very few people expected that the Houston Texans had their franchise quarterback on their roster when they watched the team on ‘Hard Knocks’ last preseason, and despite the fact they won the AFC South and made the playoffs, we know now just how desperate Bill O’Brien is to find the quarterback of the future.

Houston had the advantage of playing in one of the league’s weaker divisions in 2015. Indianapolis Colts‘ Andrew Luck was injured and even when healthy, ineffective. The Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars are both trying to break in very young rosters.

The team finished the season 9-7, though endured a rollercoaster campaign in regards to their quarterback play. Veteran journeyman Brian Hoyer began and ended the season as the starter, but O’Brien was also forced to play Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden in between.

Hoyer tossed four interceptions in Houston’s 30-0 playoff loss to the  Kansas City Chiefs which all but ended his tenure with the organization.

O’Brien and Rick Smith‘s primary focus should certainly be finding their future through the NFL Draft, but they should first be looking to bring in a veteran signal caller when free agency begins.

I’m not talking about giving a huge contract to a big name like Kirk Cousins. I’m talking about someone who can be a quality stop-gap until whoever they draft is ready to step in, because unless they trade up, the top three guys (at least) won’t be available.

Some free agent possibilities include but aren’t limited to Ryan Fitzpatrick, Chase Daniel, Drew Stanton and Brock Osweiler. It’s likely that the New York Jets will part ways with either Fitzpatrick or Geno Smith, leaving one available for Houston. If New York chooses to move forward with Fitzpatrick, Smith may be available in a trade.

As for the draft, it’ll likely come down to either Michigan State‘s Connor Cook or Penn State‘s Christian Hackenberg. Cook is the more NFL-ready passer, but is said to have personality issues. And did I mention that Hackenberg was formerly coached by O’Brien in Happy Valley?

The Texans need a quarterback for the present and the future. Hackenberg will likely be Houston’s selection if still available at No. 52, but he’ll need time to grow and develop. If he’s forced into action on day one, he has the potential to be a huge bust. The best course for the organization is to also find someone whom the young quarterback can sit behind for at least a year or two before being tossed onto the field.