The Houston Texans are expected to be among the clubs that are most active in free agency this offseason, with more than $54 million in cap room. Houston should give careful consideration to filling the edge rusher position, as three of the team’s best players—Jonathan Greenard, Derek Barnett, and Jerry Hughes—will be leaving the organization due to free agency. Fortunately for the Texans, there is no lack of skill at the position; several players are capable of playing well against DeMeco Ryans.
The Panthers’ Brian Burns, who is ranked by PFF as the No. 2 edge rusher and No. 5 free agent overall, is the first player the Texans should target. Having stated that,
Right now, some estimates place Young’s four-season contract at roughly $16 million annually, which makes him a far more cost-effective choice than Burns. ESPN speculates that if the proper circumstances arise, he might sign a one-year contract. In any case, opposition offenses may find it frightening to have Young and Anderson rush the passer in tandem.
Za’Darius Smith, a free agent from the Browns and former Packers standout, would be a more interesting possibility if the Texans decide to move down the list or perhaps sign a second pass rusher.
