The Texans haven't made a massive impact through free agency so far, but they certainly have put themselves in a better position to win. Signing Ex-Cardinal Defensive End Antonio Smith, the Texans will have met one of their primary off-season needs...a defensive end to bookend the line playing opposite Mario Williams.
Smith comes off of a decent season with the NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals and brings size, speed, and talent to the other side of the tackles. Now opposing teams can't double and triple team Super Mario without fear of someone coming from the other direction and putting their Quarterback to the ground. This will free Mario to make more of an impact and hopefully also get someone in the face of opposing Quarterbacks to promote poorly thrown passes and ultimately...turnovers. And turnovers, my friends, is what the Texans so desperately need.
Ex-Lion Quarterback Dan Orlovsky also found his way to the Texans via free agency and will serve a significant back-up role to full time starter Matt Schaub. The former Big East standout holds multiple passing records at UCONN and brings to the table a knack for being with a team in transition. UCONN transitioned from Division I-AA to Division I while he had the reigns, so he can offer an element of "it's time to step up to the next level" to the team. Should Schaub go down (I PRAY NOT), Orlovsky has the talent of the same caliber if not higher than former Texan Sage Rosenfels to come off the bench firing.
Yes, Dan-O was the guy who made the idiot play for the Lions last year where he stepped out of the back of the endzone on a roll out, but it's easy to look past that. He was getting a lot of pressure, running for his life from a lackluster offensive line and miss judged his steps. Over and done and time to move on. Welcome Dan! 3 Million dollars per year may be a bit steep for a back up, but I have a feeling he will prove worth it.
So the Texans addressed two major needs through free agency, all that is left is to pick up a back-up running back, solid outside linebacker, a cornerback, and a safety. Then they'll be set. Resigning Eugene Wilson will definitely bolster the secondary, but they will still need to pick up another shut down corner through the draft or free agency.
Not having to take a Defensive End with their first pick in this years draft, allows the Texans a lot of wiggle room to make some moves and get the right guys in place.
It's an exciting off-season to be a Texans fan...Who knows what will happen next...
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