Houston Texans 2004 Free Agency Preview

[WebHamster]

(Sports Network) - The biggest improvement for the Texans in Year Two was on the offensive line. The team traded for Greg Randall and signed Zach Wiegert and Todd Washington as free agents. Washington and Randall are unrestricted free agents and the Texans will likely sign only one of the two. Mammoth lineman Seth Wand could be ready to move into the starting lineup.

Quarterback David Carr continued to progress last season, and rookie WR Andre Johnson provided the big-play threat Houston needed. The team also found a steal in fourth-round pick Domanick Davis. Davis' emergence limited the impact of Stacey Mack, who was signed last year as a free agent. Mack is an unrestricted free agent again and would have to settle for a goal-line role if he returns.

To continue improving, the Texans need help on defense. The veterans the team signed for its inaugural season are two years older now and replacements are not on the current roster. Cornerback Marcus Coleman's play slipped last season. Safety Matt Stevens was signed as a free agent last season, but the Texans still need an upgrade at safety.

Defensive end Gary Walker and defensive tackle Seth Payne were injured for most of the '03 campaign. Walker's salary may prohibit his return. The Texans need defensive linemen and will be one of many teams following the trail of UFAs Keith Traylor and Rod Coleman.

KEY UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: OL-Todd Washington, OT-Greg Randall, DE-Corey Sears, LB-Steve Foley, FB-Greg Comella, RB-Stacey Mack, DT-Steve Martin, OT- Jimmy Herndon, C- Ben Lynch, QB-Mike Quinn, CB-Jason Simmons, S-Pat Dennis.

KEY RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: DE-Jerry DeLoach, S-Marlon McCree, TE-Jabari Holloway, FB-Moran Norris, CB-Jason Bell.