Four Decisions That Will Shape The Houston Texans Offseason

Dec 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker

(93) is blocked by Houston Texans tackle

(75) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

Right Tackle

This is a major decision for the Texans as Derek Newton is a free agent.  A year ago, who would have thought we’d be saying that we need to re-sign Derek Newton?  But clearly Newton’s play improved dramatically last season to the point that he was one of the bright spots on the offensive line that struggled for the 1st half of the season.

The Texans can ill afford to lose him without making a fairly significant move to replace him with either a free agent or a relatively high draft pick.

It’s very hard to predict what dollars it will take to re-sign Newton, but exacerbating the issue is the Texans have very little depth on the offensive line.  Only 7 players saw any action in the regular season on the offensive line and the backup tackle was Tyson Clabo who will also turn 34 this season.  Clabo could be kept around as backup again and is under contract but he did not show enough in limited action last year to be penciled in as the starter.

Oct 4, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Ereck Flowers (74) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Miami 28-17. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

So, if Newton doesn’t resign, the Texans must either back fill with another free agent or the need to spend an early round pick on a right tackle goes up quite a bit.  This could make this position one of the top, top needs in the draft and they could look in the 1st or 2nd rounds for a guy that can start almost immediately.  Players like T.J. Clemmings from Pittsburgh, Erik Flowers from Miami or Andrus Peat of Stanford.

If Newton signs look for the Texans to only be looking for developmental depth on the offensive line in the 5th and 6th rounds, possibly an interior line type in the 4th as they prepare for life without Chris Myers in the near future as he could be a cap casualty this year and is a free agent next year.

The Texans could possibly have Myers replacement already on the roster in Ben Jones, with Xavier Su’a-Filo taking over at left guard.  But the Texans very well need to draft a backup interior lineman that can play guard or center in this draft if they don’t believe they have that player already in the system.

Re-signing Newton or a free agent in his place, could potentially open the door to replace Myers this off-season.

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