The Houston Texans are held back by a limited offense and that starts with ineffective play from the quarterbacking duo of Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett. Hoyer was named the starter, but was pulled during the season opener in favor of Mallett, who was pulled in the most recent game in favor of Hoyer. Mallett is expected to be the starter going forward, but he's completed only 52 percent of his passes with 3 TDs and 3 INTs.
Hoyer is a stop-gap measure at best, a player best left as a backup. Mallett has some potential, but it's unlikely he'll ever develop into a franchise QB.
Here are five quarterbacks the Houston Texans could target in the offseason.
5. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
If your first thought was "who is Carson Wentz?" I totally understand. Not many people know who he is right now, outside of the real NFL Draft buffs, but they will as the draft approaches. Wentz is the top FCS QB and has the raw ability to develop into a franchise QB. He's got the size and arm strength, but needs to be coached up. If the Texans want to wait on a QB, taking a player like Wentz in the third or fourth round (if he lasts) makes sense. If the team were to spend a mid-rounder on a QB, it could find a short-term upgrade over Hoyer/Mallett while it grooms Wentz.
4. Sam Bradford, Eagles
Bradford will be a free agent after the season. He might not play for Philadelphia next year, as the two parties broke off contract talks earlier this season. If Bradford leaves the Eagles, the Texas could swoop in and sign him. Ideally, it's a prove-it contract as Bradford hasn't played great this season. However, he's going to be the top free agent QB this offseason. There aren't many options on the free agent market.
3. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
You knew he was going to be on this list. It's not original or creative, but it makes sense. Hackenberg was recruited to Penn State by Bill O'Brien and Hackenberg had his best season under O'Brien. Hackenberg has struggled in recent seasons, in large part because his offensive line has been terrible. However, Hackenberg has all the tools to develop into a franchise QB. He needs some polishing, but O'Brien is a QB guru who will get the most out of Hackenberg.
2. Drew Brees, Saints
This isn't as crazy as it seems. The Saints have serious cap issues and Brees' $30 million cap hit doesn't make matters easier. The Saints can swallow that massive hit, extend Brees and restructure his deal or move him and take a $10 million cap hit. If the team continues to struggle this season, moving Brees and starting a rebuilding project might be the smart choice. The Texans have a bit of a cap space and could absorb Brees' contract. However, it would make for a tight cap situation next season. Given Brees' age, the Texans could draft a QB in the later rounds and add Brees.
1. Jared Goff, California
Goff is the front-runner to be the top QB taken in the NFL Draft. The Texans would likely have to fall apart this season and end up with the top overall draft pick (or close to it) to have a chance to get Goff. If the Texans end up with one of the top picks, it makes sense to grab a franchise QB while the team has the chance.
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