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The Texans have re-signed Bryan Anger, Whitney Mercilus, Brandon Dunn, Kai’imi Fairbairn, Darren Fells, and DeAndre Carter before the 2019 season ended or since the 2019 season ended and free agency begins. They have been hard at work keeping the Bill O’Brien guys that have bought into the Texans’ system.
Aaron Wilson has now reported that Houston is looking to retain Dylan Cole, everyone’s favorite undersized, often-injured coverage linebacker, via a restricted free agent tender. Wilson also says Houston wants to bring Phillip Gaines, a cornerback that Houston legitimately missed in 2019, back, which is a statement that describes the Texans’ 2019 pass defense better than anything else can.
Texans informed backup linebacker Dylan Cole, who is recovering from torn ACL, that they want him back during the NFL scouting combine. Cole is due a $2.144 million restricted free agent tender.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2020
Texans are interested in bringing back veteran corner Phillip Gaines, a former Rice standout who is making a fast recovery from ankle surgery, per sources. Would be a one-year deal
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2020
Fine. Whatever. Either one on short one-year contracts are solid depth signings. This strategy does continue to signify that Houston is making efforts to keep its own players rather than starting anew in 2020.
But the Texans haven’t sent a tender to swing tackle Roderick Johnson yet.
Texans haven't sent exclusive-rights tender yet for offensive tackle Roderick Johnson, per a source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2020
Johnson is young, a great second level blocker, and he should be able to improve enough in pass protection to be a good swing tackle in the NFL. The Texans should work to keep him around for for another year, just like they are reportedly doing with Cole and Gaines.