Now that DeMeco Ryans and C.J. Stroud have demonstrated that the Houston Texans are capable of reaching the AFC Divisional Round, the next step is to advance deeper. After demonstrating so much potential in their first season together, the Texans have quickly become one of the most desired destinations for NFL free agents.
With around $70 million to spend, the Texans will not only have enough money to spend, but they will also have quality players following them rather than having to convince talented players to join. Locking up a young franchise quarterback on a rookie contract is an excellent situation, and the Texans might gain significantly this offseason.
The Houston Texans are unlike other clubs. Many of their key needs have been addressed, with the quarterback, left tackle, and best pass rusher all under contract. Of course, this squad has needs.
With Blake Cashman and Jonathan Greenard ready to enter free agency, the Texans will need to address their front seven in some capacity. Both players have stated a desire to return to Houston, but once they are on the free market, anything is conceivable, even accepting an offer they cannot reject elsewhere. After all, if the Texans were serious about keeping either player, they would have already signed, but that doesn’t mean discussions are done.
However, if Cashman departs for whatever reason, the Texans may already be looking for a successor in free agency.
According to ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, linebacker Patrick Queen and the Texans are interested in working together during free agency.
“Houston would prefer to keep linebacker Blake Cashman, who led the club in tackles (106) last season, but his price might be more than the Texans are prepared to pay — especially if no agreement is reached before the bargaining period begins. Houston might target Ravens free agency linebacker Patrick Queen, who played alongside Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. at LSU. According to a source, Queen was named second-team All-Pro last season, and there is some intrigue between the two sides.
While Cashman was effective for the Texans, Queen was a second-team All-Pro pick last season and received an excellent coverage grade of 83.2 (6th among linebackers) from Pro Football Focus. In other words, if the Texans fail to re-sign Cashman, turning to Queen would not be a terrible idea.
