Free-agent trio about to become official
Cornerback and two offensive linemen will fill key needs
The Texans are making moves to improve their two most critical areas of need — the offensive line and secondary — Wednesday when the free-agent signing period begins at 3 p.m.
Starting Monday, teams had a 48-hour window to negotiate with agents representing free agents from other teams, and the Texans are expected to make official Wednesday the signings of Jacksonville cornerback Aaron Colvin, Kansas City guard Zach Fulton and Buffalo offensive tackle Seantreal Henderson.
New general manager Brian Gaine plans to hit the ground running when the new league year begins with multiple signings.
After Colvin, Fulton and Henderson, high on the Texans’ list is New England offensive tackle Nate Solder, who’s expected to become the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Several teams, most notably the Cleveland Browns, are in pursuit.
The Texans were familiar with Colvin, Fulton and Henderson.
Colvin, 26, will sign a fouryear contract worth $34 million, including $18 million guaranteed.
Colvin was the Jaguars’ fourth-round pick in 2014. He was one of the league’s most dependable slot corners last season when Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye formed the best starting combination in the NFL.
Colvin (6-0, 193), who could play inside or outside with the Texans, hasn’t allowed a touchdown since he entered the league out of Oklahoma, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). On 728 snaps in which he was in pass coverage, Colvin hasn’t been beaten for a touchdown pass.
Last season, when the Jaguars reached the AFC Championship Game and lost at New England, Colvin allowed the sixth-fewest
yards per snap, according to PFF.
Also in 2017, Colvin allowed 0.75 yards on 449 snaps covering a slot receiver, ranking third among slot corners. He gave up a reception for every 10 snaps, ranking 22nd among all NFL cornerbacks.
Public apology
The NFL suspended Colvin for the first four games of the 2016 season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. He apologized publicly and vowed to not let it happen again.
Fulton (6-5, 324) played four seasons with the Chiefs, including three starts against the Texans. He started 46 games, including 24 the last two seasons, at center and guard.
Since Nick Martin is the Texans’ center, Fulton will play guard.
Last season, PFF rated Fulton as the NFL’s 14th-best center, including the eighth-best at pass protection. He was rated as the 22nd guard, including 14th on pass blocking.
The Texans are taking a chance on Henderson, whose one-year contract can be worth as much as $4 million if he reaches all of his incentives. If he plays well, he’ll have a chance to sign a long-term contract. Gaine worked for the Bills last season, so he knows Henderson well.
Henderson, 26, started one game the last two seasons. A seventh-round pick in 2014, he played in 34 games and started 27. He missed 14 games because of two suspensions.
Two operations
Henderson (6-7, 331) was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease late in his rookie season and didn’t play another game in 2014. He was forced to undergo two operations to repair his intestines in 2015.
Henderson said he smoked marijuana for the pain, but it’s a violation of NFL policy, and he was suspended twice for four and 10 games. He served suspensions in 2016 and 2017.
Henderson isn’t expected to be the only offensive tackle the Texans will sign. Solder would solve their problem at left tackle, their most desperate need, but they plan to sign free agents at other positions, too.