5 free agents the Houston Texans could still pursue

Houston Texans free agent option no 2: DE Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills)

To be fair, the former first-round draft choice of the Indianapolis Colts has not put up the kind of numbers that he did in his early days in Orchard Park. In his first two seasons with the Buffalo Bills, edge-rusher Jerry Hughes finished with exactly 10 sacks each year.

In the past three seasons combined, the 12-year veteran has totaled a combined 11.0 sacks in 48 regular-season outings. In 2021, Hughes played in all 17 contests and made 16 starts. He finished with 18 stops and a pair of quarterback traps but did come up with two forced fumbles. Still, the 33-year-old pro is worth kicking the tires on.

1. DE Akiem Hicks (Chicago Bears)

There’s already been the suggestion of adding a little beef inside in the possibility of adding Linval Joseph. And Lovie Smith could also use a versatile bookend with the capabilities of doing some damage as a run-stopper and a pass rusher.

And veteran defensive end Akiem Hicks, late of the Chicago Bears, could be a solid pickup for a team that has had its issues on this side of the ball for too many years.

The 10-year veteran, who began his career with the New Orleans Saints but has spent the past six seasons in the Windy City, has shown to be a solid performer in both aspects.

Via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Hicks’ current grades vs. the run (66.0) while pressuring opposing quarterbacks (71.9) are somewhat similar. And that could be good news for Smith’s unit.