The Texans spent the offseason retooling their wide receiver group. After the departure of Stefon Diggs and the knee injury to Tank Dell, there were concerns about depth heading into the season. The Texans added Christian Kirk, Justin Watson, and Braxton Berrios in free agency and drafted Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the second and third rounds of the NFL draft.
Most teams keep somewhere between five and seven wide receivers on the roster, depending on skill and scheme. Last season, the Texans suited up six receivers reliably. If that holds true this season, the Texans would likely roster Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, Xavier Hutchinson, and John Metchie III. Tank Dell would likely replace one of them once he returns from injury.
Jonathan Alexander of the Houston Chronicle predicts only five receivers will make the final 53-man roster, which is even worse news from some of the free agent signings. It's a sure thing for Collins, considering he has established himself as a true number one option. Barring some major surprise, Kirk will make the roster because of his price tag. Both Higgins and Noel would join them due to the draft capital spent. Hutchinson has proven to be reliable and productive, and there is no reason to keep the 24-year-old off the roster.
That potentially leaves one spot for Metchie, Watson, and Barrios. Of the three, Metchie has some rapport with C.J. Stroud and was a second-round pick, giving him the inside lane. That leaves Barrios and Watson on the outside of the room looking in.
Justin Watson Won't Play a Snap for the Texans This Year
While both Barrios and Watson face an uphill battle in Houston, the former offers something that the latter doesn't: the ability to contribute in the return game. While Watson contributes on special teams, he doesn't do so at a critical position like Barrios.
In his "prime", Barrios was an elusive returner, and he got plenty of opportunity in New York and even earned himself an All-Pro selection. Even though his opportunity in Miami was limited, his averages have remained fairly consistent, and Barrios still is an effective returner. Watson, on the other hand, is limited in his return abilities and primarily works with the defensive side of the special teams units.
When building out a roster, there are times when teams need a critical player for special teams. Watson isn't that, and the Texans would be wise to save a roster spot and create flexibility elsewhere.
By no means does this mean Barrios is a sure thing for a position, either. Dameon Pierce and Xavier Hutchinson could fill in for return duties if the Texans desire.
Watson could catch on elsewhere in the league, especially after Week 1. He's still a reliable veteran who can contribute on special teams, but for a young Texans team who are looking to contend, he doesn't provide the upside or flexibility to warrant a roster spot.