Houston Texans free agency 2021: Top 5 targets this offseason

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 13: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints signals for the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on December 13, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

2. Jameis Winston

A.J. McCarron is not fit to the Texans’ starting quarterback in 2021 unless Houston is firmly committed to tanking for the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. That will require the franchise to find a new starter through either free agency or the draft.

The draft could be the right move if the Texans get a premium pick from trading either Watson or Watt. At the moment, it’s impossible to project what sort of selection might be heading their way. As such, free agency makes more sense.

Winston isn’t going to cause any Texans fans to forget about Watson’s brilliance, but he can help their offense make some big plays with his ability to push the ball down the field. Turnovers are a massive problem for Winston, but no one can deny the arm talent he flashes on deep balls.

The Texans shouldn’t give Watson any sort of significant long-term commitment this offseason, but they can offer him decent money and a clear path towards being their starter. That combination could be enough to vault Houston to the top of Winston’s list.

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