As the Houston Texans' 2013 season comes to a disappointing end, Ben Tate cannot help but start thinking about his future and whether or not it will continue with his current team. The running back is well-aware that his current contract is coming to an end just as the Texans are preparing to enter a rebuilding phase. There will soon be a new head coach and likely a new quarterback. So does Tate test out free agency instead?
Texans owner Bob McNair has admitted rebuilding is necessary, but is confident it will not be a long-term process. He credits a group of core players as the future building blocks of the team. It is easy to assume that core group involved wide receiver Andre Johnson, defensive stars JJ Watt and Brian Cushing, along with running back Arian Foster. That group may not include Tate and it is making his future choices complicated.
"That's a tough question to answer. I can't say, 'No, I don't want to be here.' But I can't say I do want to be here, because they invested in Arian," Tate said, via SI.com. "I feel as though I'm just as talented, I can do the same things he does, so where do I fit in? My time in this game is limited. I'm 25. I'm in my prime for the next three years. So I want to be somewhere where I can utilize that. I've said it before, I don't work this hard to be anyone's backup. That's just not why I play this game."
If Tate opts to head to free agency, plenty of teams will be interested. He has proven to be able to handle the work load of a starting back as he is now top dog for the Texas run game since Foster is out for the season. This season he has 699 yards and four touchdowns in minimal time as a starter. He also has 31 catches for 120 yards.
Several teams could be targeting a younger back over a few of the aging veterans who have expiring contracts. The Tennessee Titans could be looking for fresh legs as Chris Johnson is rumored to be released at the end of the year. Darren McFadden's contract is up and the Oakland Raiders appear none too keen on re-signing a back that cannot play a full season without getting hit with injuries. The Patriots may also be an option after their three-back rotation continues to fumble.
All signs point to Tate exiting Houston in favor of a team with more stability. He has three games left on his current deal and then will head to the market and see what kind of extension is offered.
