Houston Texans did offer Mohamed Massaquoi a contract

On the same day that Mohamed Massaquoi visited the Houston Texans (the 5th of April), he signed with another AFC South team in the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 26-year-old vertical threat will add to the Jags vertical passing attack that already contains talented starters Cecil Shorts and Justin Blackmon, and he was offered his contract by the Jaguars on the 2nd of April.

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According to the Houston Chronicle’s Tania Ganguli, the Houston Texans did indeed offer a contract to Massaquoi on his visit. He told reports that he simply chose to play for Jacksonville over Houston, so let’s just say that I’m sure the Jaguars offered more money than the Texans (either that, or he thinks he’s set to get more playing time in Jacksonville…or something else…so maybe I’m not “sure”). But it is telling that Massaquoi praised the Texans recent record.

Massaquoi said, “That’s another quality place. It’s no surprise as to why they’re winning, why they’re contenders year in and year out because that place is filled with good people.”

So he likes the people in both organizations.

It’s interesting to hear the the Texans offered Massaquoi a contract, because he isn’t the No. 2 receiver the Texans are gunning for. They released Kevin Walter in an expected move earlier this offseason, because the Texans realized that they need a true No. 2 wideout opposite of Andre Johnson to take the offense (and likewise Matt Schaub) to the next level. That No. 2 receiver is most likely coming from the draft, and two names that come to mind are Justin Hunter and DeAndre Hopkins in the first round.

But Massaquoi is like a No. 3 or 4 wide receiver type, and so it sounds like the Texans aren’t sold on those types of players they have on their roster; players like Lester Jean. DeVier Posey has an Achilles’ tear, so their best depth receiver won’t be able to start the season. It’s no wonder why the Texans offered Massaquoi, who is an inconsistent wideout but fits as a No. 4 option who can occasional stretch the field. To me, that’s the kind of player the Texans could use to throw into the mix at wide receiver, and it’s good to hear the Texans are actively pursuing more players and depth at the position. You can never have too much talented depth at WR, and I have a feeling the Texans will invest in another wide receiver come draft day.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.