The Houston Texans are trying to diffuse the issue, but early practice reports say the team still has some quarterback issues on their hands. After not drafting a rookie until the fourth round, the team is putting their faith in one of their four options emerging as a starter for the season. With the drama currently surrounding wide receiver Andre Johnson, Houston needs to make their quarterback position a priority and could resort in a trade to help things out.
As of now, the Texans have four quarterbacks on the roster. Journeyman veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick has the confidence of head coach Bill O'Brien, but his resume does not exactly mirror the words of his coach.This is Fitzpatrick's fifth team since entering the league in 2005. He played in 11 games last year in place of the injured Jake Locker and threw for 2,454 yards, but had 12 interceptions. In his tenure, Fitzpatrick has never been to the playoffs, so how far can he truly lead the Texans during a time with most of the veterans are getting tired of losing.
Case Keenum and TJ Yates are not exactly players to hang a season on either. Yates was once viewed as the future of the franchise, but after four years he has not panned out to much. Keenum played in eight games last year and showed some promise, but O'Brien does not seem invested in the second-year pro.
Then comes Tom Savage. According to the Houston Chronicle, the Texans originally had their sights set on Blake Bortles, but after getting Jadeveon Clowney in the first round, things just did not work out for them. O'Brien continues to stress that Savage was their guy all along despite the rumors, but there are a lot of doubts regarding the ceiling for him. Savage could be the second coming of Tom Brady or he could be Yates all over again.
The Chronicle continues to write that the Texans are keeping their eyes on possible trades throughout the offseason. A potential deal for Ryan Mallett appears to no longer be an option. The Patriots are not looking to move the backup anytime soon until they know how their own rookie develops. Mike Glennon is no longer available after Lovie Smith endorsed him as the future of the Tampa Bay franchise. So is left?
NFL.com suggests that a deal for Ryan Nassib could still be possible. The New York Giants quarterback will be battling Josh Freeman for the No. 2 spot on the depth chart. If things do not work out, the Giants could easily move him and the Texans would be a solid landing spot. They could also make a deal for backup Matt McGloin in Oakland. After drafting Derek Carr, McGloin's time with the Raiders is over and he would be a cheap deal.
The Texans need to make Johnson happy and that will not happen with their current quarterback situation. O'Brien might know something everyone else does not, or it could be that the cards did not fall the way Houston wanted them to and now they have to hope Savage is as good as they think.
