One perfect free agency signing for each NFL team

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 25: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) prepares to stiff arm Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans on December 25, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ARLINGTON, TX – DECEMBER 23: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Tackle Donovan Smith (76) pass blocks during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys on December 23, 2018 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Houston Texans – Donovan Smith

It’s no secret that the Texans need to do a much better job protecting Deshaun Watson in the future. Some of that can be helped by an adjustment to the team’s offensive scheme, but a lot of it comes down to personnel. This is a franchise that is in desperate need of help along the offensive line.

Our final choices here came down to Paradis and Smith. Both players have been mentioned previously, which shows you just how thin the offensive line options are in free agency. If Smith hits the open market he’s going to get a lot of big money offers.

He may not be the answer to Bill O’Brien’s prayers on the blind side, but he’s a massive improvement over both Julie’n Davenport and Martinas Rankin. Smith’s insertion into the Texans’ starting lineup might actually allow Watson to throw the ball from a fully formed pocket on occasion.

The Texans face a ton of pressure this offseason to retain Clowney, but improving their options along the offensive line should be just as much of a priority. It’s the only way this team is going to take a step forward in 2019. Expect much of Houston’s offseason efforts to be focused on fortifying their glaring weakness up front.

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