The Houston Texans could use help at cornerback and rumors have continued to swirl about Ravens CB Jimmy Smith. Hopes of a trade have dwindled. Here’s why.
The HoustonTexanshave one more day before engaging back into some more preseason action in their first game at NRG Stadium this season. Although it won’t count for much, we’ll get to see how the tweaks from over the week pan out.
Very few members of the first team played last week and I’d expect the same for this game. I’m just looking for some competitiveness among those who will get the start and I fully expect thatJoe Webbwill play the bulk of the minutes under center.
Jordan Ta’amu, an undrafted free agent that was just signed last week amid an injury to backup QBA.J. McCarron, will likely see some time in the second half of the game.
Nonetheless, I’m actually excited to see the HoustonTexansdo battle once again and I just hope that they don’t embarrass themselves in the preseason. The expectations are high — especially forBill O’Brien— with all of the talent that they have so it’s important that they don’t disappoint.
But anyway, the HoustonTexansobviously could use a bolster at the cornerback position. They have a formidable cast as the presumptive favorites that we’ll be seeing this season will includeJohnathan Joseph,Bradley Roby,Aaron ColvinandBriean Boddy-Calhoun. It’s a dogfight for all of the other CBs for a spot.
Is this unit good enough? That certainly remains to be seen, especially for 35-year-old Joseph who continues to defy the odds by still being effective as the years continue to rack up on his tenure with the HoustonTexans.
There were some whispers earlier this week of veteran cornerbackJimmy Smithbeing tradedas he left practice unaccompanied by trainer last week for no particular reason.
Rumors — although unsubstantiated — started to swirl aboutJadeveon Clowneybeing flipped for Smith in a package that I’d assume would include some draft picks as well.
Adding a guy like Smith to the HoustonTexans‘ fold would transmogrify the secondary and it would once again be one of the most respected in the league. He’s an extreme talent at his position and this team would command respect among QBs alike.
But HoustonTexans‘ fans — you can put those hopes of a Clowney-Smith trade to rest.
Why?
Ravens’ nickel CBTavon Youngsustained a likely season-ending neck injury in practice this week; and, because of this, Smith is going to be relied upon even more as Young was a big part of their secondary’s strategy.
The Baltimore Sun’s Jeff Zrebiec reported thatbackupCyrus Joneswill step into the starting role
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and that Young’s season is likely over.
Zrebiec also shot down any rumors of a possible tradeinvolving Smith as well.
I’m not saying that a trade is impossible because when you start dangling Clowney as a piece of a potential deal, it can still change things and teams will pick up the phone when his name is mentioned.
But it’s likely the HoustonTexansare content with the free agents that they signed this offseason and they’ll give it go with those guys. My hopes are pinned on the HoustonTexansat least checking on what Smith’s price would’ve been though.
Well fantasizing about what this secondary would’ve like with Smith was nice but it’s time to get back to reality, having Clowney dominate on the defensive line, which is what I’d prefer with a long-term deal. I’m open to a trade but I’d much rather just pay him in a deal that’s a win-win scenario for both the HoustonTexansand his camp.
We’ll have to see!
Smith, 31, amassed 45 tackles last season — 34 solos — along with two interceptions, nine passes defended and one tackle-for-loss through 12 games — 10 starts — in 2018.
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