The Houston Texans could be an active team this offseason, as players like Torrey Smith, Nick Foles, Brian Hoyer and Jeremy Maclin could be potential targets and this comes as the team may also look at the trade or release of veteran Andre Johnson after a long run with the franchise.
The Texans come into the offseason after finishing with a winning record in the first year under Bill O'Brien and now the team may spend to try and get back to the playoffs. The Texans will have a new quarterback after Ryan Fitzpatrick was the main starter last season and names like Nick Foles, Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett are potential options. Mallett was with the team last season and was also given a chance to start.
UPDATE: Randall Cobb has signed with the Green Bay Packers on a four contract worth $40 million ahead of free agency opening.
Johnson is likely to be released or traded, as Pro Football Talk reports that the Texans have given him permission to look for a trade. The Texans are prepared to release Johnson if a deal is not worked out, but they are looking to exhaust any trade options before cutting him. According to the Houston Chronicle, the team will look at Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin at targets on the free agent market, as they will have money to spend if Johnson is traded or released.
Cobb and Maclin are both coming off of career seasons and Cobb is reportedly looking for over $10 million per year on his contract. If Johnson is let go, the Texans could be one of the favorites for Cobb to sign, as he is expected to leave the Packers. Rob Demovsky from ESPN writes on Twitter that Cobb could command a $55 million contract over five seasons and that the Raiders and Browns both have the space to offer him a deal. The Packers just gave Jordy Nelson an extension that pays him an average of over $9 million per season and they could let Cobb walk after giving that out.
Cobb played in 16 games last season after missing 10 in 2013 with a leg injury and he put up career numbers while playing alongside Aaron Rodgers. Cobb had 91 receptions for 1287 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, all highs for his four seasons in the pros. Cobb is an explosive player and is just 24 years old and that could make him a rich man in the next few weeks.
Cobb had a breakout year in 2012 with 80 catches for 954 yards and he could be the top wide receiver in free agency on the open market with DeMaryius Thomas and Dez Bryant getting hit with the franchise tag. The team likes Davante Adams as well as Jarrett Boykin and they could look at adding a cheaper option in free agency if he goes.
