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The Houston Texans have been busy during the free agency period, making a variety of moves to bolster their roster under new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
The team signed veteran wide receiver Robert Woods and traded for Tampa Bay Buccaneers right guard Shaq Mason. They also acquired former New York Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, among other signings.
Houston traded wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys and extended left tackle Laremy Tunsil, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. These moves reflect the Houston Texans' commitment to strengthening their team, with an eye towards a successful 2023 season.
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In this article, we will look at each new acquisition in depth, discussing their potential impact on the team.
Texans' Free Agency Deals
Robert Woods, wide receiver
The Houston Texans signed Robert Woods to a two-year, $15.25 million deal with $10 million fully guaranteed. Woods has been a consistent performer throughout his career, racking up 4,626 yards and 23 touchdowns over five seasons (2016-2021) with the LA Rams.
His familiarity with the west coast offense, which new offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will implement, makes him a valuable addition to Houston's receiving corps. However, there are concerns about his age (30) and the fact that he's coming off a season with a career-low 527 yards.
The Texans will hope that Woods can regain his form and provide a reliable target for their rookie quarterback.
Shaq Mason, right guard
Acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Shaq Mason is expected to strengthen the Houston Texans' offensive line. He has been a solid starter throughout his career and is known for his run-blocking abilities.
Mason's experience and skill set should help the Texans improve their rushing attack. However, questions remain about his pass protection, as he allowed seven sacks in 2022.
The Texans will hope that Mason's addition can shore up their offensive line and provide better protection for their young quarterback.
Sheldon Rankins, defensive tackle
The Houston Texans signed Sheldon Rankins to a one-year, $10.5 million deal in an attempt to address their league-worst run defense. Rankins, who played under New York Jets coach Robert Saleh, should be familiar with Ryans' defensive scheme, given the similarities between the two systems.
The veteran defensive tackle had a positive impact on the Jets' run defense, and the Texans will hope he can do the same for their struggling unit. However, as with Woods, there are concerns about his age (29). His lack of production in the sacks department may also limit his overall impact on the team.
Case Keenum, quarterback
Case Keenum returns to Houston, where he began his career, on a two-year deal worth $6.25 million. The 10-year veteran has experience with various franchises and understands the west coast offense.
His signing as a backup, along with the Texans' decision to let go of Jimmy Garoppolo, suggests that the team will look to the draft to address the quarterback position. Keenum's age (35) and limited playing time in recent years are risks, but he should be a capable backup for the team.
Dalton Schultz, tight end
The Houston Texans signed Dalton Schultz to a one-year deal worth $9 million. Over the past three seasons, he has emerged as one of the league's top tight ends, amassing 2,000 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns.
Schultz's blocking abilities make him a perfect fit for Slowik's west coast offense in Houston. However, his drop in receiving yards in 2022 raises concerns about whether he can maintain his productivity with a rookie quarterback and increased defensive focus on him.
Devin Singletary, running back
Devin Singletary has joined the Houston Texans on a one-year deal worth up to $3.75 million. With 3,151 career rushing yards, he provides a change-of-pace option for the Texans' backfield.
Singletary has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, with a 4.4 yards per carry average and an ability to contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. However, concerns about his ball security and pass protection skills may limit his overall impact on the team.
Emmanuel Moseley, cornerback
The Texans signed Emmanuel Moseley to a three-year, $18 million contract in free agency, bolstering their secondary.
Moseley has shown potential as a starting cornerback in the NFL with 110 tackles, 22 pass deflections, and two interceptions in his first four seasons. His experience in Ryans' defensive scheme from their time together in San Francisco should help him acclimate quickly to his new team.
However, Mosely's inconsistency in coverage and lack of elite ball skills may limit his ceiling as a top-tier cornerback.
Notable Houston Texans Departures
The Houston Texans face significant challenges ahead of the 2023 NFL season following the departures of several key players in free agency this year.
Brandin Cooks' exit leaves a gap in the team's receiving corps, and O.J. Howard's and Jordan Akins' departures strip the Texans of tight end depth. Cooks was a reliable deep threat, while Howard and Akins provided big targets and steady contributions to the offense.
Meanwhile, the loss of Ogbonnia Okoronkwo will weaken the team's pass rush as he added valuable depth as a rotational outside linebacker.
Rex Burkhead's departure might have less impact on the team's overall performance. The Texans' backfield has a number of capable running backs who can step up and share the load.
Nonetheless, these departures present the Houston Texans with the challenge of finding suitable replacements either through free agency or the draft. They will also have to develop existing talent to fill the voids left by these notable players.
