Houston Texans free agency 2018: Top 5 targets

SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson
SEATTLE, WA - OCTOBER 29: Quarterback Deshaun Watson /
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SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 17: Safety Lamarcus Joyner
SEATTLE, WA – DECEMBER 17: Safety Lamarcus Joyner /

1. Lamarcus Joyner, S

Former team: Los Angeles Rams

If the Houston Texans decide to look further from the line of scrimmage for their secondary help, they could look to Trumaine Johnson’s former teammate, safety Lamarcus Joyner. In all likelihood the Rams will have to choose between one of the two. Whoever is the odd man out should be getting a call from the Texans.

Starting safety Marcus Gilchrist is a free agent to be in Houston. They could find his replacement in the former Ram Joyner. After locking up Andre Hal, the other starting safety, the Texans still need help in the deep part of the field.

The former second round pick for the Rams out of Florida State, player well this season. After starting almost every game since his freshman year at Florida State, he has positional versatility at both safety spots and even coming down to play nickel corner in situations. Standing only 5-foot-8 has not been an issue for the versatile defender.

Should Houston snag the former national champion, he would be a big upgrade to their weak secondary. Despite being vastly underrated, Joyner has played better with every opportunity the Rams have given him.

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There is still a chance Los Angeles uses one of the two tag options on Joyner after using the franchise tag on Trumaine Johnson this past season. However they have to still deal with losing free agent wide receiver Sammy Watkins in that scenario.

Joyner should not demand as much as his teammate on the open market, leaving Houston with money to invest in their offensive line as well. Other safety options are available for them as well but none are as good as Joyner who should be the top safety on the market this offseason.