After yet another season with a revolving door at quarterback, the Houston Texans finally have their franchise passer. When the NFL's new league year begins Wednesday afternoon, the team is expected to announce the signing of Brock Osweiler.
The Texans, who were previously seen as underdogs to sign Osweiler away from the Denver Broncos, will give the signal-caller $72 million over four years. Shortly after news of Osweiler's signing broke, the Texans also came to an agreement with running back Lamar Miller.
I'm told QB Brock Osweiler has agreed to a deal in principle with the Houston #Texans.
— Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016
And now, the #Broncos are in the market for a new quarterback. Massive get for the #Texans. Osweiler is the new face of the franchise. — Rand Getlin (@Rand_Getlin) March 9, 2016
Texans are giving Brock Osweiler a 4-year, $72 million deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2016
In 2015, the Texans were ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in each of the three major offensive categories: passing yards, rushing yards and points scored. The pair of Wednesday signings provide a short- and long-term solution to their biggest needs and also allows the team more freedom in the looming 2016 NFL Draft.
Lamar Miller agreement with Texans is 4yrs/$26M with $14M guaranteed — Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2016
The Texans are also expected to announce Miller's signing once free agency officially begins. Believed to be on his way out of Miami, Miller will make up to $26 million over the next four years with the Texans, $14 million of which is guaranteed.
The Texans managed nine wins last season despite an offense that struggled to an extreme degree with consistency. Whereas a quarterback taken in the draft may have needed time to develop, Osweiler will be expected to give the Texans a major boost right away, especially given the team's talent at wide receiver with DeAndre Hopkins, Nate Washington and Jaelen Strong.
But Miller will also have high expectations taking over for Arian Foster, who was cut last week. While the Texans seemed to be keying on Osweiler since season's end, their plans at running back were far more wide open. The team was believed to be eyeing either Doug Martin or Chris Ivory before both backs ultimately signed elsewhere.
But while Miller was in play for teams with a need at running back, Osweiler seemed to be on track to return to Denver. He reportedly turned down a three-year deal worth $45 million from the Broncos, but it is unclear if he wanted more money or more years. However, it seems the two sides did not continue negotiating after that exchange.
Osweiler's departure leaves a glaring hole at quarterback for the Broncos, who just watched Peyton Manning retire. The Broncos have been linked to the likes of Colin Kaepernick and Robert Griffin III, but could pursue a guy like Ryan Fitzpatrick to put a more traditional pocket passer under center.
