Houston Texans: Will We See The Return Of A.J. Bouye?
Time tends to fly fast for the Houston Texans. Yes, we’ve been about two months removed from the end of the season and it’s already to look ahead.
Time tends to fly fast for the Houston Texans. Yes, we’ve been about two months removed from the end of the season and it’s already time to look ahead.
The NFL’s free agency period will begin one week from today and the NFL Draft will be upon us at the end of next month.
Plus, the NFL Combine up in Indianapolis is definitely underway so there should be a lot of news — hopefully positive — coming out of the Houston Texans’ camp.
But there’s one beef I have…
Yes, I have those from time to time when I don’t think things are going right.
And I have perfect example.
What is it you may ask?
The free agency of A.J. Bouye.
Yes, his time has arrived and he’s made the most of it along way.
This season, we saw the emergence of one of the most talented defensive backs in this league today and don’t necessarily come a dime a dozen.
The former undrafted prospect of the University of Central Florida that came on the scene from four years ago as made a name for himself; and, as a result, is due for a big payday.
From a guy who was playing corner part-time to one that became a integral part of the rotation, we deflected pass after pass and got better doing it.
He was consistently ranked high in the Pro Football Focus circles for his innate ability to do his job well throughout this season.
Now it’s time for him to be rewarded.
The Texans have made it no secret that they want to have him back in the fold but the Texans are in a peculiar cap situation because of the remaining $18 million or so owed on Brock Osweiler‘s contract.
They have about $25 million to spend for 2017 and with the rumors of Tony Romo wanting to be under center for the Texans and DeAndre Hopkins wanting an extension, Bouye becomes a tougher decision to make even after skillful maneuvering.
There’s no doubt that there will be teams with horrible secondaries to look for a star to brighten up and they will throw gobs of cash at him to try to lure him away.
Will he stay or will he go?
That decision is ultimately up to Bouye.
I’m positive the Texans will make him an offer but it will likely fall short of what other teams are offering.
He’ll have to make a decision in regard to if winning is more important and delay his payday or cash out of the casino while the getting is good.
Next: Is A.J. Bouye On The Brink Of Being Elite?
All are viable options for him but I certainly hope that he stays here because I feel a lot more comfortable knowing that things are going to be fine when Bouye is lined up to defend
As you probably know by now, the deadline to franchise a player has passed and they decided not to “tag” Bouye.
That would’ve been a significant cost of $14.2 million alone which would severely limit their options on shaping this roster.
So will he stay or go?
We’ll know within a week or so — let’s all cross our fingers.
Bouye, 25, had 48 tackles, 16 passes defensed, one pick and 1.0 sack through 15 games (11 starts) in 2016.
Go Texans.