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When the 2016 season opens, J.J. Watt will have someone else playing opposite him on the Texans' defensive line.
Jared Crick signed with the Broncos
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) April 6, 2016
Jared Crick got a two-year deal to join the Broncos, reuniting him with former Texans coach Gary Kubiak and Wade Phillips
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 6, 2016
The #Broncos signed DE Jared Crick, formerly of the #Texans, to a 2-year, $4M contract, source said. He started 31 games the last 2 years.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2016
This is a move that makes sense on a number of levels. In addition to his familiarity with Wade Phillips' scheme, Crick will reunite with Bill Kollar, under whom he had the most productive season(s) of his NFL career. We had read the Texans and Crick had exchanged numbers some time ago; the fact that a deal didn't get done could mean (1) the Texans simply didn't value Crick as much as another team in the market (in this case, the Broncos) did and/or (2) Crick simply wanted a fresh start if the financial terms were comparable. In any event, best wishes to Jared Crick as he continues his career in Denver.
If it wasn't already a high priority, Crick's departure makes defensive end an increasingly likely area of need in the 2016 NFL Draft for the Texans.