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A former Patriot, quarterback Jacoby Brissett is a free agent that Nick Caserio is familiar with. 메이저사이트

Brett Coomer/Staff photographer QUARTERBACK

Notable free agents: Teddy Bridgewater (Broncos, $11.5 million), Andy Dalton (Bears, $10 million), Jameis Winston (Saints, $5.5 million), Marcus Mariota (Raiders, $3.5 million), Mitchell Trubisky (Bills, $2.5 million)

Analysis: Smith has said that Davis Mills is essentially “their guy” in 2022, although he walked back a little at the NFL combine by saying “we don’t give starting positions out this time of the year.” We’ll go ahead and give it out. Smith called it “a must” to retain Pep Hamilton and elevate him to offensive coordinator in order to continue Mills’ development. With other draft needs and moderate money to spend in free agency, it would make sense for the Texans to pursue an affordable veteran to back up and push Mills in training camp. Tyrod Taylor made $5.5 million on his one-year deal last season, and, if questions about his injury proneness weren’t confirmed in 2021, he’d be a logical player to re-sign. Mitchell Trubisky made $2.5 million as Josh Allen’s backup in Buffalo last season, but it’s likely the 2017 No. 2 overall pick will leverage the bullish quarterback market to land with a team as a potential starter. Think more culture/system fits like Jacoby Brissett, whom Caserio helped draft in New England, or Marcus Mariota, who’s familiar with Hamilton’s West Coast playbook and worked with new Texans tight ends coach Tim Berbenich, Hamilton’s longtime colleague, for two seasons with the Raiders.

Seattle's Rashaad Penny is one of many running backs on the free-agent market.

Brett Coomer/Staff photographer RUNNING BACK

Players under contract (3): Rex Burkhead ($2.47 million), Scottie Phillips ($895K), Darius Anderson ($705K)

Notable free agents: Leonard Fournette (Buccaneers, $3.25 million), Rashaad Penny (Seahawks, $2.69 million), Sony Michel (Rams, $2.4 million), James Conner (Cardinals, $1.75 million), Devonta Freeman (Ravens, $1.07 million)

Analysis: The Texans don’t have the kind of “home-run hitter” running backs coach Danny Barrett says the franchise wants, and that can actually be a pretty appealing pitch to free agent running backs looking for a place where they can be the leading rusher. If the Texans make any splash signing, it seems they’d be most able to splurge at this position. The NFL set its 2022 non-exclusive franchise tag numbers this week, which averages the league’s top five cap hits at that position, and running back was the second-lowest ($9.57 million) ahead of only kickers/punters ($5.22 million). Translation: Running backs are affordable. Darrel Williams, who totaled 1,010 scrimmage yards with the Chiefs last season (558 rushing, 452 receiving), fits the all-around mold Caserio likes. So does Leonard Fournette, 2017’s No. 4 overall pick, who may be out of Houston’s league. It appears Fournette is poised to enter free agency after two years with the Buccaneers. But would “Playoff Lenny” want to join a rebuilding franchise? That’s really the paradox the Texans are facing in their pitch with any free agent: Yes, you can get plenty carries. But you also have to play behind one of the league’s most inefficient offensive lines. Which free agent will sign up for that? Is there enough assurance Houston will shore up their line in the draft and free agency? With so many questions, the Texans may find their best option at running back in the draft.