The Houston Texans’ ‘best move’ this offseason was signing a defensive free agent

The Houston Texans were among the offseason winners. They made strong moves, helping build a stronger roster around CJ Stroud while the star quarterback is on his rookie contract. After posting a 10-win season, they certainly have higher expectations for next season.

But which of the team’s offseason moves was the best? A market? A free agency signing? A draft pick? CBS Sports profiled every AFC team’s best move this offseason. Garrett Podell of CBS Sports listed the Texans’ signing of Danielle Hunter as the team’s strongest offseason move.

“The trade for four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs grabbed headlines and attention, rightfully so, but the best move the Houston Texans made this offseason was drafting the tight end four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter away from the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year, $49 million contract,” Podell wrote.

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The team’s moves have followed a certain cadence: bringing in winning talent with league experience, raising the team’s short-term ceiling, and helping young talent learn to maintain the winning window. championship even longer. Hunter also fits that mold, as he will bring a win-now presence and add star power to the team’s defense.

“Acquiring Hunter is a huge deal. His 16.5 sacks were fifth in the NFL last season, and he ranked 10th in quarterback pressures with 80,” Podell wrote. “Perhaps even more significant than what he brings to head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense alone is the impact he can have on 2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr., whose 59 quarterback pressures were the third most by a rookie over the past five seasons.”

Again, Hunter’s short-term impact is huge, but his ability to work opposite and alongside reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr. will be huge for NFL prospects. future of the team. The second-year star defensive end greatly helped the Texans defense in his first season, and he will continue to anchor the defense for years to come.

“The opportunity for him to expand his passing portfolio by learning and playing alongside Hunter is an invaluable investment in terms of the impact it could have on Anderson’s long-term career development,” continued Podell. “Houston made this decision knowing it would help strengthen its defense in the present, while also being able to help its unit on that side of the ball for years to come thanks to Anderson.”

The Texans have taken a very strategic approach to the offseason, which will allow them to compete for a Super Bowl as early as next year while helping their youngsters learn and gain experience that will help the team compete in a high level for years. come.

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