NFL free agency update: Texans solve offensive line hole with Zach Fulton deal
The Houston Texans needed to address their offensive line this offseason. They are expected to do that by agreeing to terms with Zach Fulton.
The Houston Texans have a promising young quarterback in Deshaun Watson, but unless they can get him some offensive line help, he’s going to have a difficult time establishing himself in the NFL.
But on Wednesday, the Texans took a giant leap in the right direction by agreeing to a deal in principle with former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Zach Fulton.
Contract details
NFL insider Ian Rapoport had details on Fulton’s new deal, which is expected to pay him about $7.5 million annually:
The #Texans are expected to sign interior OL Zach Fulton, formerly of the #Chiefs, to a deal that averages roughly $7.5M per year, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2018
On his previous deal with the Chiefs, Fulton earned a base salary of $1,788,500, per Spotrac. So…yeah, this is a little bit of a raise for him.
However, the move doesn’t even put Fulton among the top-paid guards (or centers) in the league, so it doesn’t break the bank for Houston.
National reaction
Reports of this potential deal had been floating around throughout the week leading up to Wednesday’s breaking news, so it wasn’t a surprise.
Though initial reports speculated that Fulton would move to center for the Texans, the Houston Chronicle‘s John McClain noted that Fulton will play guard and that Nick Martin will anchor the offensive line:
If Texans sign KC’s Zach Fulton he’ll play guard. Nick Martin is their center and the only starting o lineman guaranteed of his job next season.
— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) March 12, 2018
And our very own House of Houston had words of praise for the move:
Zach Fulton was ranked 14th out of 77 eligible guards for Pro Football Focus. To say he’d be a decent upgrade would be an understatement. Durable too, doesn’t miss time often. #Texans
— House Of Houston (@HouseOfHouston) March 12, 2018
Grade
Offensive line was one of the Texans’ biggest needs in free agency.
According to Football Outsiders, Houston’s offensive line finished No. 20 in the league in run-blocking in 2017 and No. 20 in pass protection. Texans running backs averaged just 3.78 yards per attempt in 2017.
With many of the league’s guards being paid upwards of $8 million annually, the deal makes sense both financially and personnel-wise for the Texans. They can use Fulton as a starting guard and as center depth, as well.
Grade: A-