Brock Osweiler introduced as Texans’ new quarterback
Smith envisions high-priced additions paving way to playoff advancement
Texans owner Bob McNair waited more than four months to see running back Lamar Miller’s good side.
After Miller came to Houston and signed a four-year, $26 million contract that included a $14 million guarantee, he was introduced to the media Thursday with his new teammates — quarterback Brock Osweiler, guard Jeff Allen and center Tony Bergstrom.
“When I saw Lamar a little while ago, I didn’t immediately recognize him (because) I’m so used to looking at his back,” McNair said, smiling and getting the biggest laugh at the introductory news conference.
In the Texans’ 44-26 loss at Miami, Miller carried 14 times for 175 yards, including an 85-yard touchdown. He also caught three passes for 61 yards and a touchdown.
When the subject was Miller’s breathtaking speed, coach Bill O’Brien said, “We kind of wit-
nessed it firsthand.”
Miller, 24, will give the Texans their fastest starting running back in franchise history.
“He doesn’t offer just speed,” general manager Rick Smith said. “He’s a complete running back. He has a skillset that will allow our creative coaches to utilize him in a way that’s a threat to defenses.”
Miller (5-11, 225) wasn’t the only free agent the Texans signed who victimized them last season.
Allen helped Kansas City win twice at NRG Stadium, including the 30-0 playoff rout.
And Osweiler threw a 60-yard touchdown pass that helped Denver beat the Texans in a preseason game.
“This is a day when we got a lot better,” said McNair, who committed more than $100 million to the newest Texans on Wednesday. “We added some components that are going to be very productive for our team.”
‘The next step’
Osweiler is getting $18 million a year, including $37 million guaranteed. He’s the biggest Houston free agent since 1984, when the Oilers made quarterback Warren Moon the highest-paid player in NFL history with a five-year contract worth $5.5 million.
Smith’s best free-agent addition was cornerback Johnathan Joseph in 2011, who’s entering his sixth season as a starter opposite Kareem Jackson.
“Personally, (Wednesday) was the most rewarding day,” said Smith, who’s in his 11th year as general manager. “This is a big deal, obviously.”
Smith thanked McNair for providing the “resources” to sign expensive free agents who are expected to help the Texans defend their AFC South title.
Smith praised vice president of football administration Chris Olsen and football administration coordinator Kevin Krajcovic for the roles they played. Olsen negotiates contracts, and Krajcovic assists him.
“We’ve had (four) winning seasons in the last five years and (two) division championships, but we haven’t taken the next step,” Smith said. “We believe this class of free agents gives us an opportunity to do that.”
Quarterback was the top priority.
“This guy’s a good quarterback,” O’Brien said. “He’s got command at the line of scrimmage. He stands in the pocket, and he doesn’t look at the rush — he’s delivering the ball down the field.
“He played well in some big games this past year, and we’re very, very glad to have him as our quarterback.”
The spending spree is over, but the Texans will sign other free agents as they always do. And, of course, they’ve been focusing on the draft.
By taking care of their two most glaring weaknesses with Osweiler and Miller, the Texans can solve other problems with their seven draft choices.
“Obviously, we had a need at quarterback,” Smith said. “We haven’t had consistent play at quarterback. We feel the move to add Brock gives us that stability, and, hopefully, that will allow us to advance a little bit further (in the playoffs).
“Having him, having a running back and those places on the offensive line solidified gives us an opportunity to stick to our guns in terms of how we philosophically approach the draft. We’ll take the best player at the time that we’re on the clock.”
A warm welcome
When the offseason program begins the third week of April, Osweiler, Miller, Allen and Bergstrom and their new teammates can work with the coaches.
“This is a process,” O’Brien said. “We finish the season (and) we evaluate our own team, and we determine from that together what we think our team needs. These four guys definitely fill some needs and make us a better team.
“Rick, myself, our scouts (and) our coaches, we’ve done a lot of research on these guys. I couldn’t find anybody that said anything bad about them. They’re hardworking guys that not only are good players but good guys. They’re going to be welcomed with open arms.”