Houston Texans Offseason Simulator (Full Rebuild)

Hello! This is the page for those that clicked on the Full Rebuild option on the Texans Offseason Simulator article. If you did not click on the “Full Rebuild” option (or if you are looking for the beginning of this interactive story), please click here to return to the original article.

Note: Once you have finished making trades and/or signing free agents, you will then make your way to the draft by clicking on a link that states something along the lines of “To the draft” or “Take me to the draft.” Clicking on this link will send you back to the original article, where you will then look for the prompt stating, “Click here if you are returning from the Full Rebuild branch.” That will direct you towards your draft. Have fun!

Welcome to uncharted waters. By trading Deshaun Watson to one of these teams, the Texans are raising the white flag in defeat before the 2021 season has even begun. No incoming general manager in their right mind would accept a hand like this, except if it contains one caveat: a bounty of monstrous proportions in return. Assets, draft capital, and other abstractions that promise hope for a bright future down the river for all Texans fans if they trust the process. It’s time to hit the reset button.

We have several intriguing offers from interested teams, and I’ve narrowed it to four options. Where does Deshaun Watson get traded?

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+9 Points

In what might go down as the biggest trade in NFL history, Deshaun Watson is traded to the New York Jets for quarterback Sam Darnold, both of their 2021 first round picks, their 2021 second round picks, and their 2022 first and third round picks. A mammoth trade that will signal to all in New York that their team is ready to win, and a signal to all in Houston that they are ready to lose. But hey, with the second overall pick, our next franchise passer may be in waiting, or maybe Sam Darnold already checks that box.

Before we can get to rebuilding through the draft, we have to shift our gaze towards free agency. With nearly all of the big contracts from last season gone, we have the freedom to do some big spending in free agency. And, with Darnold and the second overall pick in our possession, a free agent quarterback is not needed (especially considering Darnold is probably better than any free agent QB available). What would you like to do?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+11 Points

Deshaun Watson is going to the beach. The Texans send him packing to Miami for their 2021 first round picks, their 2022 first round pick, and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tua was up and down during his rookie season in Miami, but certainly has the ability to be a Pro Bowler in the future. But, if you’re not sold on him, we have the third overall pick! The rebuild is on.

Before hitting the draft, however, would you like to add some players in free agency?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+14 Points

Deshaun Watson is going back home to Georgia. The Texans send him to the Atlanta Falcons for their 2021 first and second round picks, defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, guard Chris Lindstrom, and their 2022 first round pick. Grady Jarrett is a great defensive lineman and Chris Lindstrom an immediate upgrade at guard. But, the focus of this trade are those draft picks. With the fourth overall pick, we’ll have tons of options, including several at the seat Watson left open upon his departure. With a plan in place for quarterback, will we be signing any players in free agency?

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Unfortunately. there’s aren’t many good options in free agency at the quarterback spot this year. We won’t find our franchise guy, but we will find a transitional player who can help another quarterback prepare or get acclimated to the NFL. Who would you like to sign?

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+9 Points

Jacoby Brissett isn’t exactly an inspiring option, but certainly not the worst. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+9 Points

Going from Deshaun Watson to Mitchell Trubisky is a hard sell for anyone, but it’s the path we’ve chosen, so let’s embrace it. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+8 Points

You want to see the Jameis Winston in Houston? It’s just gonna be Ryan Fitzpatrick all over again, but okay. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+10 Points

Tyrod Taylor does have some similar qualities to Deshaun Watson and he’s proven he can be a plus starter before, but it’s been a few years since his time in Buffalo. Still, not a bad choice. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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Don’t wanna sign any quarterbacks in free agency? I hear you, there aren’t many good options this year, anyways. With Atlanta’s fourth overall pick in the Draft, we’ll be able to select literally any quarterback we want besides Trevor Lawrence. Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones will all be available. And, if you’re not interested in a quarterback that high, we’ll be able to take nearly any play that has declared. But, for right now, let’s focus on free agency,

Since we’ve released so many players and traded away Deshaun Watson, we’re are in position to spend lots of money in free agency. I’ve given you a few courses of attack here. What do you want to do?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+5 Points

Uhhhh...okayyyy. A.J. McCarron hasn’t played more than a single game since 2015, but maybe he still has something left in the tank.

Would you like to sign any other free agents?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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Now that the quarterback dilemma is solved, it’s time to focus on improving the team everywhere else. With the amount of cap space opened up with all the players we got rid of, we can sign some game-changing players this March. What would you like to do?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+16 Points

Chicago gets the redeem themselves as the Texans send Deshaun Watson the Chicago in exchange for linebacker Roquan Smith, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, their 2021 first round pick, their 2021 second round pick, and their 2022 first round pick. Roquan Smith is one of the best linebackers in the league, and Darnell Mooney was one of biggest surprises of the 2020 season. These moves are great, but we still don’t have a quarterback, and Chicago’s first round pick is too low (#20) to nab any of the best prospects at the position. What do you want to do?

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Unfortunately. there’s aren’t many good options in free agency at the quarterback spot this year. We won’t find our franchise guy, but we will find a transitional player who can help another quarterback prepare or get acclimated to the NFL. Who would you like to sign?

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+9 Points

Jacoby Brissett isn’t exactly an inspiring option, but certainly not the worst. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+9 Points

Going from Deshaun Watson to Mitchell Trubisky is a hard sell for anyone, but it’s the path we’ve chosen, so let’s embrace it. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+8 Points

You want to see the Jameis Winston in Houston? It’s just gonna be Ryan Fitzpatrick all over again, but okay. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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+10 Points

Tyrod Taylor does have some similar qualities to Deshaun Watson and he’s proven he can be a plus starter before, but it’s been a few years since his time in Buffalo. Still, not a bad choice. Will we be signing more free agents?

To the NFL Draft

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Don’t wanna sign any free agent quarterbacks? I don’t blame you, but Chicago only has the 20th overall pick. Most of the top prospects at quarterback will already be gone at that point, the only quarterback with a first round grade being Mac Jones. But, if you’re not interested in drafting a quarterback in the first round, there’s plenty of interesting players available at that spot. But, for now, let’s see how we can improve this team through free agency.

Since we’ve released so many players and traded away Deshaun Watson, we’re are in position to spend lots of money in free agency. I’ve given you a few courses of attack here. What do you want to do?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+5 Points

Uhhhh...okayyyy. A.J. McCarron hasn’t played more than a single game since 2015, but maybe he still has something left in the tank.

Would you like to sign any other free agents?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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Okay, with the quarterback situation at least bandaged for now, let’s look toward improving this team in other facets in free agency. Since we dumped so many players from the 2020 season, including Deshaun Watson, we have a lot of money to spend! What would you like to do?

None of these options are very appealing to me, so just take me to the draft.

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+18 Points

Go big or go home, right? Since we released so many players and got rid of Deshaun Watson, I was ale to get some big time players. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed EDGE Bud Dupree, center Corey Linsley, wide receiver Corey Davis, and safety John Johnson III. We already know how good Will Fuller is, Dupree is our next star pass rusher, Corey Linsley will solve our dilemma at center, Corey Davis is a massive target that can run all around the field, and John Johnson is one of the best safeties in the league. This cost us all of our cap space, but we just became a playoff team overnight.

On to the draft

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+18 Points

Go big or go home, right? Since we released so many players and got rid of Deshaun Watson, I was ale to get some big time players. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed EDGE Bud Dupree, center Corey Linsley, wide receiver Corey Davis, and safety John Johnson III. We already know how good Will Fuller is, Dupree is our next star pass rusher, Corey Linsley will solve our dilemma at center, Corey Davis is a massive target that can run all around the field, and John Johnson is one of the best safeties in the league. This cost us all of our cap space, but we just became a playoff team overnight.

On to the draft

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+18 Points

Go big or go home, right? Since we released so many players and got rid of Deshaun Watson, I was ale to get some big time players. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed EDGE Bud Dupree, center Corey Linsley, wide receiver Corey Davis, and safety John Johnson III. We already know how good Will Fuller is, Dupree is our next star pass rusher, Corey Linsley will solve our dilemma at center, Corey Davis is a massive target that can run all around the field, and John Johnson is one of the best safeties in the league. This cost us all of our cap space, but we just became a playoff team overnight.

On to the draft

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+18 Points

Go big or go home, right? Since we released so many players and got rid of Deshaun Watson, I was ale to get some big time players. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed EDGE Bud Dupree, center Corey Linsley, wide receiver Corey Davis, and safety John Johnson III. We already know how good Will Fuller is, Dupree is our next star pass rusher, Corey Linsley will solve our dilemma at center, Corey Davis is a massive target that can run all around the field, and John Johnson is one of the best safeties in the league. This cost us all of our cap space, but we just became a playoff team overnight.

On to the draft

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+13 Points

Since we are only spending big with one player, I decided to focus on the weakest spot on our team: the defensive line. I signed EDGE Bud Dupree to be a new pass rusher, wide receiver Tim Patrick, and center Austin Reiter. With these signings, we get a great pass rusher, a starting caliber receiver, and an okay center. Won’t change the face of the Texans, but will certainly help while still giving us some spending money for the future.

On to the draft

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+14 Points

Since we are only spending big with one player, I decided to focus on the weakest spot on our team: the defensive line. I signed EDGE Carl Lawson to be a new pass rusher, wide receiver Curtis Samuel, and guard Kevin Zeitler. With these signings, we get a great pass rusher, a starting caliber receiver, and an okay center. Won’t change the face of the Texans, but will certainly help while still giving us some spending money for the future.

On to the draft

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+13 Points

Since we are only spending big with one player, I decided to focus on the weakest spot on our team: the defensive line. I signed EDGE Bud Dupree to be a new pass rusher, wide receiver Rashard Higgins, and center Austin Reiter. With these signings, we get a great pass rusher, a starting caliber receiver, and a decent guard. Won’t change the face of the Texans, but will certainly help while still giving us some spending money for the future.

On to the draft

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+13 Points

Since we are only spending big with one player, I decided to focus on the weakest spot on our team: the defensive line. I signed EDGE Bud Dupree to be a new pass rusher, wide receiver Nelson Agholor, and center Austin Reiter. With these signings, we get a great pass rusher, a starting caliber receiver, and a decent guard. Won’t change the face of the Texans, but will certainly help while still giving us some spending money for the future.

On to the draft

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+16 Points

With the goal set in front of me of trying to make the defense much better through a few key acquisitions. I signed defensive lineman Shelby Harris, safety Anthony Harris, and cornerback Michael Davis. Shelby Harris has been an underrated player for a few years, now, and would make an immediate impact on our defensive line. Anthony Harris wasn’t great in 2020, but was fantastic in 2018 and 2019, I’m betting on him to return to form when paired with Justin Reid. Michael Davis is a starting corner that’s played pretty well these past couple years, despite nobody talking about him. With these signings, our defensive line and secondary should become significantly better.

On to the draft

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+16 Points

With the goal set in front of me of trying to make the defense much better through a few key acquisitions. I signed EDGE Shaquil Barrett, linebacker K. J. Wright, and slot cornerback K’Waun Williams. While Shaquil Barrett didn’t repeat the 20 sack season he had in 2019, he was still a force to be reckoned with in 2020 (especially in the playoffs). K. J. Wright has been a great linebacker for his entire career in Seattle, and can plug the hole Benardrick McKinney left. When healthy, K’Waun Williams is one of the best slot corners in the NFL, the trick is just to stay healthy. With these signings, all three levels of our defense should become significantly better.

On to the draft

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+16 Points

With the goal set in front of me of trying to make the defense much better through a few key acquisitions. I signed defensive end Trey Hendrickson, cornerback Malcolm Butler, and slot cornerback Mike Hilton. Trey Hendrickson finally showed what he was capable of in his final year in New Orleans, and let’s hope he can continue to play that well in Houston. Malcom Butler was a solid #1 corner for both Tennessee and New England. Mike Hilton has been a solid slot cornerback in Pittsburgh and will aid the secondary with his abilities (shouldn’t be too expensive, either). With these signings, all three levels of our defense should become significantly better.

On to the draft

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+16 Points

With the goal set in front of me of trying to make the defense much better through a few key acquisitions. I signed EDGE Haason Reddick, linebacker K. J. Wright, and slot cornerback Mike Hilton. Haason Reddick finally showed what he was capable of in his final year in Arizona, and lets hope he can continue to play that well in Houston. K. J. Wright has been a great linebacker for his entire career in Seattle, and can plug the hole Benardrick McKinney left. Mike Hilton has been a solid slot cornerback in Pittsburgh and will aid the secondary with his abilities (shouldn’t be too expensive, either). With these signings, all three levels of our defense should become significantly better.

On to the draft

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+14 Points

Focusing on the offense is my favorite thing to do when watching football games, so I’m excited to tackle free agency the same way. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed wide receiver Tim Patrick, running back Boston Scott, and center Ethan Pocic. Fuller is a bona-fide deep threat that showed he has the talent to be a #1 receiver, Tim Patrick is a giant receiver that would easily lock down the #2 spot and attract plenty of attention, Boston Scott is a do everything weapon, and Ethan Pocic could shore up some of our problems in the interior. Plug in a good quarterback, and this is an offense with some serious upside.

On to the draft

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+14 Points

Focusing on the offense is my favorite thing to do when watching football games, so I’m excited to tackle free agency the same way. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed tight end Jonnu Smith, wide receiver Marvin Jones, and guard Kevin Zeitler. Fuller is a bona-fide deep threat that showed he has the talent to be a #1 receiver. Jonnu Smith is a great red-zone target who contributes on every snap. Marvin Jones has been a steady receiver that bailed the Lions out of sticky situations more times than I can count. Kevin Zeitler is a starting caliber guard, which is better than anything we have currently on the interior line. Plug in a good quarterback, and this is an offense with some serious upside.

On to the draft

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+14 Points

Focusing on the offense is my favorite thing to do when watching football games, so I’m excited to tackle free agency the same way. I signed wide recivers Kenny Golladay andTim Patrick, running back Boston Scott, and guard Kevin Zeitler. Kenny Golladay is a fantastic receiver that has the size, strength, and ball skills to plug in to the hole left by DeAndre Hopkins. Tim Patrick is a giant receiver that would easily lock down the #2 spot and attract plenty of attention, Boston Scott is a do everything weapon, and Kevin Zeitler could shore up some of our problems in the interior. Plug in a good quarterback, and this is an offense with some serious upside.

On to the draft

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+14 Points

Focusing on the offense is my favorite thing to do when watching football games, so I’m excited to tackle free agency the same way. I resigned wide receiver Will Fuller, and signed wide recievers Curtis Samuel and Marvin Jones, and running back Boston Scott. Fuller is a bona-fide deep threat that showed he has the talent to be a #1 receiver, Curtis Samuel is another deep threat, but has shown an ability to make plays after the catch, as well. Marvin Jones is a fantastic receiver that bailed Stafford and the Lions out of sticky situations more times than I ca count, and Boston Scott is a do everything weapon. Plug in a good quarterback, and this is an offense with some serious upside.

On to the draft

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+9 Points

Avoiding big paychecks in a year that already doesn’t look good isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re not planning on winning much in 2021. For this free agency period, I signed safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Rayshawn Jenkins is an underrated safety with some serious upside, Jurrell Casey has declined in the years but may turn it around somewhere else, and Demarcus Robinson has always been a contributor for Kansas City. None of these players should demand a lot of money, and all have the chance to be starters.

On to the draft

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+9 Points

Avoiding big paychecks in a year that already doesn’t look good isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re not planning on winning much in 2021. For this free agency period, I signed safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Rayshawn Jenkins is an underrated safety with some serious upside, Jurrell Casey has declined in the years but may turn it around somewhere else, and Demarcus Robinson has always been a contributor for Kansas City. None of these players should demand a lot of money, and all have the chance to be starters.

On to the draft

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+9 Points

Avoiding big paychecks in a year that already doesn’t look good isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re not planning on winning much in 2021. For this free agency period, I signed safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Rayshawn Jenkins is an underrated safety with some serious upside, Jurrell Casey has declined in the years but may turn it around somewhere else, and Demarcus Robinson has always been a contributor for Kansas City. None of these players should demand a lot of money, and all have the chance to be starters.

On to the draft

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+9 Points

Avoiding big paychecks in a year that already doesn’t look good isn’t a bad idea, especially if you’re not planning on winning much in 2021. For this free agency period, I signed safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive tackle Jurrell Casey, and wide receiver Demarcus Robinson. Rayshawn Jenkins is an underrated safety with some serious upside, Jurrell Casey has declined in the years but may turn it around somewhere else, and Demarcus Robinson has always been a contributor for Kansas City. None of these players should demand a lot of money, and all have the chance to be starters.

On to the draft

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