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Nick Caserio has done everything he can to just toss players at the roster. Most of them were bad players, but a handful were good: see Phillip Lindsay, Desmond King, Chris Conley, Marcus Cannon, and Shaq Lawson. One of the positions where Houston does not have a problem (lol, get it), is at offensive tackle. They have Tytus Howard, Laremy Tunsil, Marcus Cannon, Charlie Heck, and Roderick Johnson. It’s a wealth of riches at a premium position, which should lead to someone to move inside, and others to get kicked off the island.
One of the surprising turns of the offseason was that Titans right tackle, and little brother to Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, Dennis Kelly, hasn’t found a home this offseason. He’s a competent pass blocker, and one of the better mid-outside zone blockers in the NFL. The Titans didn’t retain him this offseason, and chose to select his replacement in the second round of the draft.
Of course the Texans have brought him in for a visit. Nick Caserio just can’t help himself.
The former Tennessee Titans starter, the younger brother of Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, was originally due $7 million from the Titans this season before being released and replaced by Kendall Lamm.
Texans veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon remains sidelined after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason, according to sources.
Kelly has previously met with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and Green Bay Packers, among other interested parties.
Kelly, 31, is a 6-foot-8, 321-pound former Philadelphia Eagles fifth-round draft pick from Purdue who’s regarded highly in NFL circles for his blocking skills, power and character.
Kelly signed a three-year, $21 million contract extension with the Titans in 2020. He started every game last season as Derrick Henry led the NFL with 2,027 yards and was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Although the Texans already have depth at the position, and should just start Tytus Howard at right tackle, they already have injuries along the offensive line front. Both Cannon and Taylor are starting the season on the physically unable to perform list. Cannon underwent an arthroscopic knee surgery, and Taylor repaired his ACL last season and still isn’t ready to play. See below from Aaron Wilson:
The Texans placed veteran offensive tackle Marcus Cannon on the active-physically unable to perform list along with offensive guard Lane Taylor, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
They can be activated at any time.
Cannon underwent arthroscopic knee surgery this offseason, a clean-up procedure that could sideline him for a large portion of training camp, per sources.
With Cannon sidelined, the Texans are hosting former Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Dennis Kelly, Texans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly’s brother, for a visit.
Taylor underwent surgery to repair his anterior cruciate ligament last season. He signed with the 49ers Texans after visiting the 49ers.
To sum up, it looks more and more like Houston wants Tytus Howard to play right guard, and needed to find depth to back up new starting right guard Marcus Cannon. Taylor missed last season and should be able to compete against left guard Max Scharping once he returns.