Jaguars vs Texans: 5 questions ahead of Week 1 of the regular season

Just like the Jaguars, the Texans underwent several offseason changes.

1. Knowing Texans had limited cap space and lacked draft picks in both the first and second round in 2021, how would you grade general manager Nick Caserio’s job?

Nick Caserio has done a wonderful job at inheriting a roster that was basically scorched into scraps as Bill O’Brien went down and was fired. For starters, all four draft picks made the roster. That sounds silly, but this is also the same general manager who brought in so many veteran free-agents and made three cornerback trades in eight days.

Defensive tackle Roy Lopez, a 2021 seventh-round pick, shined in the preseason and has become a fan favorite with his preseason body of work, great sack celebrations, and his character overall. Wide receiver Nico Collins out of Michigan had his flashes in the preseason and is a potential breakout candidate. Tight end Brevin Jordan and quarterback Davis Mills are still working on getting more playing time, but should also be a part of the Texans’ plans going forward.

2. Should the Texans hold their ground and pay Deshaun Watson not to play, or should they cut their losses and move on?

I’m glad you asked this question, as there have been six to seven teams that were all at one point and time interested in Deshaun Watson via a trade. Until Watson’s legal situation is figured out, the chances of trading him are slim to none. I previously wrote about why the Texans should cut Watson.

The cap benefits alone from cutting Watson would open up the team to pursue any free agent they desire, and their likely top-10 draft pick position would be secured. The Texans could free up so much cap space by releasing him. Take a look at that article for the details on that.