House of Houston
Fansided

Overpaid Texan Robbed the Team Blind With 2024 Performance

By Chris Schad

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) before the game against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods (2) before the game against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images / Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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The Houston Texans came into the 2024 season with high expectations. Coming off their first division title and playoff win since 2019, some believed Houston could make a deeper playoff run this past season and perhaps be a dark horse candidate to reach the Super Bowl.

While the Texans were able to win the AFC South again and earned a playoff win over the Los Angeles Chargers, they still came up short with a 10-7 record last season. There are several reasons why Houston didn’t take a step forward but one of the biggest reasons was an overpaid veteran who robbed the team blind with his performance.

Texans WR Robert Woods Robbed the Team Blind in 2024

Woods came into this season in the final year of a two-year, $15.25 million contract in 2024. His first season in Houston carried modest production as the former Los Angeles Rams standout caught 40 passes for 426 yards and a touchdown but wasn’t counted to have a major role after Houston traded for Stefon Diggs to pair with Tank Dell and Nico Collins this season.

But while Houston looked loaded at receiver entering the season, injuries took a toll. Collins suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for five games before Diggs tore his ACL in October. Collins returned a few weeks later but Dell suffered a dislocated knee cap and tore multiple ligaments in his knee during a Dec. 21 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The injury report gave Woods an opportunity to step up but instead of taking the wheel, the 32-year-old sat comfortably in the backseat.

Woods played in 15 games for the Texans but caught just 20 passes for 203 yards and didn’t score a touchdown. You also had to be paying attention when Woods was on the field as he received more than three targets twice all season with six in the December loss to the Chiefs and four in the wild card victory against the Texans.

The output is more disappointing when you dive into the analytics. Woods' 57.8 receiving grade was the lowest on the team behind Xavier Hutchinson and his 1.07 yards per route run was tied for the second-lowest with John Metchie III.

Perhaps the offensive coordinator switch from Bobby Slowik to Nick Caley could bring more out of Woods next season if Houston decides to bring him back. But after collecting $9.7 million from the Texans last season, there’s no reason they would want him back.

It leaves the Woods signing as one of the most disappointing in recent memory and the Texans to look for a more efficient use of their money next season.

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