The Houston Texans finally made the move everyone was expecting them to make. After the team opted to wait until the fourth round to draft a quarterback following the departure of Matt Schaub, many speculated whether a trade was in the works for the Texans. Instead, they signed Ryan Fitzpatrick and immediately named him the starter. However, the Texans finally pulled off the deal everyone knew they would eventually make and now the question of who to start begins to be asked.
The Texans announced on Saturday that they had completed a trade for New England Patriots backup Ryan Mallett as reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapaport. The move was a long time coming. Mallett was working off an expiring contract and the Patriots drafted Jimmy Garoppolo in the second round to eventually take over Tom Brady. Mallett's stock as a potential starting quarterback was high and after three years of sitting behind a player like Brady, it was assumed that he could jump into the No. 1 role quickly.
At 6'6 with a rocket arm, Mallett is the perfect fit for the Texans. He comes already having a brief understanding of the team's offense. Head coach Bill O'Brien was the Patriots offensive coordinator when they drafted the quarterback out of Arkansas so the two have strong experience together. The trade was the ideal move for Houston if there was wavering faith in Fitzpatrick at quarterback.
The Texans will enter the season with Fitzpatrick, Mallett and Savage on the roster. The team released Case Keenum to make room in the trade. So, do the Texans still have faith that Fitzpatrick can carry the team? Houston would not have made the trade in the first place if there was not lingering doubt in the veteran quarterback. They gave up a draft pick for Mallett when they easily could have just signed a free agent after the roster cuts over the weekend. It is expected that Mallett will see some playing time this season.
According to Brian T. Smith of the Houston Chronicle, Fitzpatrick will be the starter Week 1 simply because he has been in the role since Houston opened training camp. It makes the most sense. Savage retains his role as the long-term option for the franchise given O'Brien's belief that he can mold the quarterback to his liking. But, Mallett brings experience that can be utilized should Fitzpatrick start to struggle.
"What Mallett adds is New England familiarity. And a strong, potentially true NFL arm. And the possibility O'Brien and [QBs coach George] Godsey could 'save' the once-troubled QB, developing two projects at once, then placing the Texans in Mallett's or Savage's hands at the same time New England is cashing in a 2016 pick that likely will be forgotten immediately," Smith writes.
Until Mallett proves himself, Fitzpatrick will start. He already has the developed chemistry with Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins who need a solid quarterback to make a difference on the field. Savage does not hold a candle to the veteran and might not even come close to what Mallett has to offer as well. If moves must be made, it will be Mallett getting the nod to start.
