NFL Houston Texans

5 Free Agents Houston Texans Should Target in 2015

5 Free Agents Houston Texans Should Target in 2015

Bill O'Brien
Troy Taormina - USA Today Sports

The Houston Texans made a huge leap forward in 2014 after being the worst team in the league the year before. And while they are competing for the playoffs and making big leaps forward, there are still some areas that they can improve on. Here are some big free agents that would make a huge difference if they were to sign with Houston this offseason.

5. Jared Odrick - Miami Dolphins DT

Jared Odrick
Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports

5. Jared Odrick - Miami Dolphins DT

Jared Odrick
Steve Mitchell - USA Today Sports

The Texans' defense has been pretty solid throughout the entire season. However, their No. 1 nose tackle on the depth chart, Ryan Pickett, hasn't had a great year and is 35 years old. Improving at that position, to go along with J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney and Jared Crick, could be a big plus. A player like Odrick would really add another level to that defensive line.

4. Jeremy Maclin - Philadelphia Eagles WR

Jeremy Maclin
Kevin Jairaj - USA Today Sports

4. Jeremy Maclin - Philadelphia Eagles WR

Jeremy Maclin
kevin Jairaj - USA Today Sports

The Texans have a blossoming young star in WR DeAndre Hopkins and a veteran in Andre Johnson. However, Johnson is getting old and showing some frustration about still being on the Texans, and Hopkins could use a solid receiver to line up across from. Getting Maclin would be a long shot as he'll be highly coveted, but he is an option.

3. Brandon Flowers - San Diego Chargers CB

Brandon Flowers
Jake Roth - USA Today Sports

3. Brandon Flowers - San Diego Chargers CB

Brandon Flowers
Jake Roth - USA Today Sports

The Texans don't have a lot of holes in terms of an entire position group. But they have a few spots where players are aging out and can be replaced to improve the overall talent of the team. In this case, Brandon Flowers is a player that could help upgrade a cornerback position that is seeing Jonathan Joseph start to slip as his age increases. Flowers has had a great year and could help that defense.

2. Julius Thomas - Denver Broncos TE

Julius Thomas
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

2. Julius Thomas - Denver Broncos TE

Julius Thomas
Ron Chenoy - USA Today Sports

This would obviously be a long shot. Thomas is one of the best players in football, a ridiculously athletic tight end who's in his prime. So it would be a tough target to go after. But the Texans have a deficiency at tight end, with no one being a consistently productive player. Getting Thomas would add a whole new vertical dimension to their offense and create an offense that could scare teams in multiple ways.

1. Mark Sanchez - Philadelphia Eagles QB

Mark Sanchez
Geoff Burke - USA Today Sports

1. Mark Sanchez - Philadelphia Eagles QB

Mark Sanchez
Geoff Burke - USA Today Sports

The biggest limitation that the Texans have is at the quarterback position. Due to injuries and incompetence, they have bounced between quarterbacks all year, trying to figure out a situation that works. With their running game, they don't need a dynamic quarterback that will take over their season. But they need someone with playoff experience and that can make a difference, and there is a decent chance Mark Sanchez can be that guy for them.

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