An offseason for Texans not searching for starters
For the first time, the Texans enter free agency and the draft without needing a starter on either side of the ball.
Although they finished 10-6 in regular season and won the first playoff game in history before being eliminated at Baltimore, they need an infusion of young talent to be developed.
The Texans are more likely to add depth through the draft. They won't be able to spend in free agency as they did last year when they signed two defensive starters, cornerback Johnathan Joseph and free safety Danieal Manning.
The Texans spent about $20 million more than the $120 million cap, so they have to cut back to be under the new cap before the March 13 deadline.
What the Texans need most on offense is for quarterback Matt Schaub to make a successful comeback from season-ending surgery on the Lisfranc joint in his right foot.
Schaub has been rehabbing religiously. After the season, he said he would be ready for OTAs in May. This week, those who have watched him carefully say he's ahead of schedule.
With Schaub and backup Matt Leinart on injured reserve, the Texans had to rely on rookie T.J. Yates as their starter. The general feeling is if Schaub hadn't been injured, the Texans might have advanced as far as the AFC Championship Game.
When it comes to contracts of offensive players, the Texans need to sign two starters, center Chris Myers and right guard Mike Brisiel, both of whom will be unrestricted.
They also want to re-sign backup tight end Joel Dreessen, who caught six touchdown passes.
Kicker Neil Rackers, who set a franchise record with 135 points, is expected to sign another contract with the Texans.
General manager Rick Smith is hoping to sign running back Arian Foster to an extension. He'll be a restricted free agent. Foster says he wants to stay. The Texans say they want him back.
The most important free agent, the team's top priority, is outside linebacker/defensive end Mario Williams. If he signs a new long-term deal, he'll have to give them what amounts to a hometown discount. If Williams hits the open market, the Texans won't be able to pay him as much as some teams that have $25 million to $35 million available under the salary cap.
While Smith sorts out his cap issues, he's also preparing for the draft. They have the 26th pick in the first round.
On offense, the Texans need a wide receiver. The starters, Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter, will turn 31 before the season begins.
Jacoby Jones has been the third receiver, but he caught only 31 passes, became public enemy No. 1 to fans after botching a punt in the playoff loss to Baltimore and might be better off with a new team.
The Texans are expected to draft a receiver in the first round but no later than the second. If they lose Mario Williams, outside linebacker becomes a priority in the draft.
The other offensive position that should be addressed among the top three or four picks is interior offensive line.
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