NFL Houston Texans

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For The Houston Texans

5 Veterans Who May Not Return For The Houston Texans

Mallett and Johnson Houston Texans
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans improved a lot in 2014 after a 2-14 season in 2013. However, free agency is quickly approaching and there are several key players who just finished the final year in their contracts. The Texans will need to make big moves this offseason if they want to continue getting better. Here are five veterans who may not return to Houston in 2015.

5. Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallet Houston Texans
Getty Images

5. Ryan Mallett

Ryan Mallett Houston Texans
Getty Images

Ryan Mallett is a free agent this year, and the Texans are in need of a solid starting quarterback. There is a chance that they can re-sign Mallett, but my guess is that they will explore the free agent quarterback market and bring in someone new.

4. Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed Houston Texans
Getty Images

4. Brooks Reed

Brooks Reed Houston Texans
Getty Images

After four years with the Texans, Reed will be an unrestricted free agent. He has been a consistent performer at the outside linebacker position for this stout defense. With Jadeveon Clowney's future being uncertain after knee surgery, there may be extra urgency for the Texans to re-sign Reed.

3. Derek Newton

Derek Newton Houston Texans
Getty Images

3. Derek Newton

Derek Newton Houston Texans
Getty Images

Newton has developed into a solid right tackle for this Texans' offense over the past four years and had a breakout season in 2014. He will be an unrestricted free agent this year and his value has increased tremendously after being the team's most consistent and versatile offensive lineman this season. Keeping him around should be a priority for the Texans.

2. Kareem Jackson

Kareem Jackson Houston Texans
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

2. Kareem Jackson

Kareem Jackson Houston Texans
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Jackson, who has expressed his interest in returning to the Texans, will hit the open market for the first time in his career. He has excelled at the cornerback position for this Texans' defense over the past five years. There will definitely be a lot of interest from other teams, and I think his days in Houston are over.

1. Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson Houston Texans
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson Houston Texans
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Texans' all-time leading receiver has had an amazing 12-year career in Houston. But with Johnson going on 34 years of age, and DeAndre Hopkins emerging as the no. 1 receiver in this offense, there is a high probability that Johnson will either be traded or released in the offseason. If so, it will be a sad day for Texans fans.

Share Tweet