3 Low-Cost Free Agent Steals the Texans Can Still Sign

As the NFL offseason continues, teams have circled back to free agency to fill out any remaining holes on their roster. One of these organizations happens to be the Houston Texans, who could use a lot of help to return to prominence.

Few teams had a bigger fall from grace than the Texans did in 2020. After winning the AFC South in back-to-back seasons, Houston ended last year's campaign by missing the playoffs as it finished with a 4-12 record. Fortunately for the Texans, there are still several decent free agents out there who could help them out.

Here's a look at three low-cost free-agent steals that the Texans can still sign.

3. Tyler Eifert, Tight End

As it stands, Jordan Akins is the Texans' No. 1 tight end after recording back-to-back 400-plus-yard seasons. However, those aren't exactly breathtaking numbers and Houston could use another reliable TE in the mix. With that being said, the Texans should give Tyler Eifert a look. The former Jacksonville Jaguar might not be capable of scoring 13 touchdowns as he did in 2015, but he's still a decent secondary tight end. He recorded 349 receiving yards and 2 TDs in 2020, which is decent enough to open things up for Akins a bit more. Even if Eifert won't push the needle towards a major improvement over last season's record, the Texans should consider him an option.

2. Malik Hooker, Free Safety

What better way to stick it to a divisional rival than for the Texans to sign former Indianapolis Colts free safety Malik Hooker. The team's current No. 1 FS is Justin Reid, who had a 60.7 overall ProFootballFocus grade in 2020. Hooker only suited up in two games last season, but his overall PFF grade was 69.5 in 2019. Assuming he can stay healthy, that would certainly be an improvement over Reid. Plus, with last season's injuries to consider, Hooker shouldn't cost the Texans that much. A one-year "prove it" deal is a likely scenario. Should he exceed expectations, Hooker would be a steal for the Texans.

1. Austin Reiter, C

Including undrafted rookie Ryan McCollum, the Texans have four centers on their depth chart and only one of them (Cole Toner) played in the league last season. Justin Britt is projected to be the team's starter, but he was a free agent for the entire 2020, so no one can be sure of how he'll play in 2021. That's why the Texans should sign former Kansas City Chiefs center Austin Reiter. He's been in free agency for about two months now, meaning that his price has certainly dropped. However, he recorded a 70.9 PFF grade last season and didn't take a penalty or allow a sack on 867 offensive snaps. Assuming the Texans want to be safe than sorry, it's in their best interest to sign Reiter.

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