The Houston Texans need a franchise quarterback. The team has met their downfall over the last few seasons because of issues at the quarterback position. They have tried to get buy on short-term deals for veterans and it simply has not paid off. This year was especially terrible with four different players getting the start under center. Now heading into the offseason following a shutout loss and historically bad performance by Brian Hoyer in the Wild Card game, the Texans are ready to get their franchise player.
Houston's owner Bob McNair told the media that the quarterback position is a top priority for the team and they will look at all options to achieve success. McNair hinted that free agency or trades might be the favored move over drafting someone in the first round.
"I don't think there's any question," McNair said, via The Houston Chronicle. "I've been saying that. The question is what's available, and what's the price? How many draft picks might you have to give up? You can't undermine the rest of your team while you're trying to get a quarterback. "This isn't a department store where they have them on the shelf, and you just pick one up. It's a question of who's available. We're working on that. We think there are some good prospects out there."
The Texans have the No.22 pick in the NFL Draft. By that time, Jared Goff and potentially Paxton Lynch could be selected. According to ESPN's Todd McShay, Goff and Lynch are the best available, but neither may be worth hinging a franchise on. The Texans could eye someone in a later round. Penn State's Christian Hackenberg is highly rated and has ties to Bill O'Brien who originally recruited him to the school. However, even Hackenberg has question marks and McNair wants someone ready to win now.
Could Houston try and pull away Sam Bradford from the Philadelphia Eagles? Bradford has an expiring contract and is looking for the best fit and deal in free agency. The Texans have pieces in place that set them up for success. The team has a solid defense. They have a No.1 receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. Alfred Blue is an emerging running back. Bradford could easily find success in Houston if the option becomes available.
Would the Texans give up two first-round draft picks for Kirk Cousins if the quarterback is hit with a franchise tag? According to the Washington Post, the Redskins intend on retaining the quarterback, but will tag him if a contract cannot be agreed upon. That would give the Texans an option to send two first-round picks to Washington for the quarterback.
Robert Griffin III is an option although the talent level is questionable. A trade for Drew Brees is a long shot. Zach Mettenberger and Mike Glennon are unknowns with potential that would be cheap trades. McNair stressed he will look at all options as Houston wants to win immediately.
