In the upcoming NFL offseason, the Houston Texans will have to make the quarterback position a priority. The team has struggled all season thanks to issues with their starter and it is not getting better with two games left in the year. Injuries continue to hit the roster as the team is on their fourth quarterback of the year. With almost no one expected to return in 2016, who could the team target for help?
The Texans moved to their fourth quarterback of the year when TJ Yates went down with a knee injury and Brandon Weeden stepped in. That comes after Ryan Mallett started the year and then was released while Brian Hoyer suffered a concussion and has been ruled out. According to the Houston Chronicle, Yates tore his ACL meaning Weeden could be the starter for the remainder of the season. Defensive star JJ Watt admits it frustrating as he told the media, "We've been through, what, 45 quarterbacks in the last two years?"
Watt is right to say that considering the Texans cannot seem to find their franchise player. Weeden could get the start for the final two games of the regular season since Hoyer is not cleared from his concussion. As the team remains on top of the AFC South, they will have to consider everything for the playoffs before the Texans must think about the future of the position. None of the options the Texans used in 2015 appear to be favored for a 2016 return which opens the door for yet another new face.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, Robert Griffin III is considered the best option for Houston either via trade or free agency if the Washington Redskins cut ties with the quarterback. Rapoport writes that the Texans are being considered a landing spot for Griffin considering head coach Bill O'Brien enjoys working with young quarterbacks and the former Baylor star is very comfortable playing in Texas.
If not Griffin, then who? Matthew Stafford is being viewed as an option if the Texans want to make a trade. According to the Detroit Free Press, Stafford's standing with the Lions is unknown right now and a trade could happen if the team is given the right offer. The same could be said for backups like Zach Mettenberger and Mike Glennon who have been replaced by Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston respectively.
Kirk Cousins and Sam Bradford will be hitting free agency if not swept up in a franchise tag. The Texans could make a move for a high-priced contract that they will demand if they do not think the NFL Draft will have something. Houston is a desirable landing spot. The team has a solid defensive unit while DeAndre Hopkins is locked in as one of the best, young receivers in the league. A quarterback would love to land with the franchise that is simply missing a few pieces to succeed.