4 Safeties the Houston Texans should target in 2019 NFL free agency
3. Tyrann Mathieu, Houston Texans
Tyrann Mathieu may end up being the Texans best option for safety considering they’ve already gotten a good, in-depth look at him over the past year during the 2018 season. Mathieu received a one-year prove it deal prior to the 2018 season from the Texans.
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After being cut by the Cardinals for refusing to take a pay cut, Mathieu bet on himself in 2018 to hopefully land a multi-year deal in 2019 and beyond.
Mathieu, for the most part, was a very good player for the Texans in 2018. Always very versatile, Mathieu recorded three sacks, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and five tackles for a loss in 2018. Mathieu had an excellent season against the run, and was a key reason for the Texans’ stout run defense.
However, he did struggle against the pass. The Texans defense was top three against the run in 2018, but ranked among the bottom five against the pass.
This is the reason the Texans may be hesitant to re-sign Mathieu and look elsewhere for someone who can better benefit them against the pass. Mathieu should be looking for a multi-year deal for around $8 million annually, which could be to much for the Texans to pay given his vulnerability against the pass in 2018.