Report: Mulitple Top Tier Texans Running Back Options Expected To Hit Free Agency
If the Houston Texans are looking for a premier running back this offseason, they'll have options that on paper look to be upgrades over Devin Singletary.
According to reports, Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard are all expected to hit the market instead of receiving the franchise tag. Barkley has been rumored to Houston since the season's end.
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly interested in reuniting with the 2022 leading rusher, but it would have to come on a new contract instead of the $14.2 million franchise tag. The New York Giants would like to bring back Barkley, but after franchise-tagging him last offseason, both sides are looking for a long-term deal.
Pollard, who took over for Ezekiel Elliott as the leading man in Dallas, is expected to search elsewhere for a new deal after averaging a career-low 4.0 yards per carry. His six touchdowns proved to be a tone-setter in helping the Cowboys secure a division title, but Dallas also ranked 14th in rushing and 18th in touchdowns.
The trio headlines a free agency group that features former Offensive Player of the Year Derrick Henry, Austin Ekeler, JK Dobbins, D'Andre Swift, Zach Moss, Clyde Edwards-Helarie and Singletary, among others.
How does this affect Houston's offseason plans? Options. The Texans have options and could benefit from adding a name or two to take pressure off the passing game headlined by rookie of the year C.J. Stroud.
There's variety at the position. Henry, known for his physical prowess and straight-line running, doesn't possess the same skills as Swift or Pollard. Ekeler, who's averaged over 400 receiving yards since 2018, offers more value in the passing game than Dobbins, Edwards-Helarie or Dalvin Cook.
The Texans, who finished 23rd in rushing, need to bring in bodies. That doesn't mean general manager Nick Caserio needs to spend upwards of $14 million annually for a new lead back, but with the upgraded $30.6 million — or 13.6 percent — to the salary cap, he could be willing to open the wallet.
Houston featured one of the top passing units behind Stroud's consistency. The Texans relied on it too often to win football games and came up short in the process. Singletary had his moments, but the Texans would like more consistency.
What about Dameon Pierce? Was last season a fluke, or was it nothing more than a sophomore slump? Even if it's the latter, Houston can't afford to wait and see which version of Pierce comes pushing for starting reps in training camp.
Of course, Houston doesn't need to spend if it feels like a running-back-by-committe approach works best. What's a more sufficable option; three players who average 4.7 yards per attempt and combined for 17 touchdowns or one main option that barely clears 1,000 yards and finds the end zone nine times on a $13.5 million deal?
Re-signing Singletary isn't the worst option. Bringing in Moss or Swift to compete with Pierce and rookie might be the biggest win of all sides.
And yes, the Texans should be targeting runners this week in Indianapolis. Names like Oregon's Bucky Irving, Tennessee's Jaylen Wright, Texas' Jonathon Brooks and Kentucky's Ray Davis all could be prospects to monitor on Days 2 and 3.
Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard are intriguing options. The Texans should inquire about their status and consider the tipping line of cost versus consistency.
Just because one player is available doesn't mean they'll be headed to Houston. It doesn't, however, mean they'll be suiting up elsewhere.
