Houston Texans: The three-step plan to a successful off season

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Houston Texans OLB Jadeveon Clowney (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

Step #3: Understanding player priorities

Now here comes time where the Houston Texans take a long look at the roster and make a decision on some key players.

Here’s what Brian Gaine should do with the following players:

Tyrann Mathieu — Yes, his leadership in addition to the tremendous help he provided at the safety position this season was crucial and needs to stay. If they let him go, this secondary will take a step back.

Jadeveon Clowney — His stats from this season don’t necessarily show but he is a huge disruption to an opposing offense. He has unbelievable athleticism and even though he will bring penalties along with him, he takes off some pressure from J.J. Watt. What the Texans may be able to spend this off season could be an issue, so it’s crucial to franchise tag him. If not, then he better have a new contract or else he will be hitting the market, which is the worst thing that could happen for the team.

More. Four unrestricted free agents the Texans must re-sign. light

Kareem Jackson — The 30-year-old cornerback has shown a lot of inconsistency through his years in Houston. This was his first season with elite production but it’s a question of whether he can keep it up. This secondary is already weak, so losing him can make a bigger impact than expected. I think the Texans should sign him if necessary but I don’t think they need to give an extensive amount of money.

Christian Covington — He hasn’t shown any lack of effort and he’s a decent player opposite to Watt. Though this team could do better, I think he fits the bill for now. I don’t think it would hurt to give him a one to two-year extension.

Ka’imi Fairbairn — He scored the most points out of all kickers. He hit some long ones and hasn’t

costed the team a game, YET. I’d re-sign him to a multi-year deal and see how that goes.

DeAndre Carter — What a steal this versatile wide receiver/kick-punt returner was for the Texans after the Eagles cut him in the middle of the season. He did some great things for the team and

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needs to remain on the roster. I think he should be re-signed but he certainly should be given a monster contract.

Alfred Blue — At this point, I think it’s time to move on from this guy. He was serviceable up until a point but now it looks like he is struggling more than we expected. My Dad says that he isn’t worth a dime on this team but I wish him nothing but the best elsewhere.

These guys are the most notable of the many impeding Houston Texans free agents. The aforementioned were listed by me because of their need for a contract but they have so many other important players to make a decision on.

It’s just important to know that before going for a player like Le’Veon Bell in free agency, they need to understand the implications of bringing of guy of his personality into the fold.

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