With Deshaun Watson’s legal hell only just beginning (he’s at 21 lawsuits and counting), the Texans would be wise to keep their options open at quarterback. While the Texans have already prepared for this possibility by allotting $12 million to former Pro Bowler Tyrod Taylor (most recently of the Los Angeles Chargers), Tom Pelissero of NFL Network cautions not to rule out the possibility of Houston joining forces with reigning Comeback Player of the Year Alex Smith.
A three-time Pro Bowler and former first overall pick, Smith is familiar with Texans coach David Culley, who served as Andy Reid’s top assistant for much of his Chiefs tenure. Though Houston may bring back bad memories for Smith, who suffered a gruesome injury when he was sacked by J.J. Watt in 2018 (Smith underwent 17 surgeries and nearly lost his leg in the aftermath), the Texans could view him as a candidate to start, an opportunity the 36-year-old might not be afforded anywhere else.
Obviously, Smith wouldn’t be a long-term solution but he was at least competent in his eight games last season, completing 66.7 percent of his passes while helping Washington clinch its first playoff berth in five years. At worst, he’d give Houston another depth option at quarterback (assuming the worst with Watson in his ongoing misconduct scandal) while providing a strong veteran presence within the Texans’ locker room.
With so many strong quarterback prospects in play (Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance and Mac Jones, to name a few) this would have been a great year for the Texans to own a top-five draft pick. Unfortunately, Houston gave up its first-round pick in the Laremy Tunsil trade two years ago.
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