Lessons Learned: Texans Ready to Shed 'Maybe Next Year' Mindset?
After a successful talent haul through free agency and the NFL Draft, the Houston Texans, hope that this offseason marks the beginning of the end of their rebuild.
And so far, it seems as though the Texans are taking that next step, after toiling in mediocrity the last three seasons. As a result, it has prompted Sports Illustrated to label the biggest lesson learned for Houston this offseason, as the team's shift away from a "next year" philosophy.
"The teams that say “maybe next year” through the uninspiring moves they make in the offseason tend to say “maybe next year” often," Sports Illustrated writes. "The Texans were that team the past two seasons, placing former head coaches David Culley and Lovie Smith in positions to fail for better draft picks."
Rather than sitting back and waiting for something to go their way, the Texans attacked free agency. Signing guys like Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods and Noah Brown showed their intent for the 2023 season. Then, came their strong showing in the draft.
"The Texans finally went for it by drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud No. 2 and edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. No. 3, which required Houston to send a 2024 first-round pick to Arizona to move up from No. 12," Sports Illustrated writes.
"Many have knocked the Texans for removing themselves from the Caleb Williams and Drake Maye sweepstakes next draft, but they at least gave new coach DeMeco Ryans an opportunity to succeed with two potential cornerstone players."
Houston might not ultimately be a playoff team, and may very well still be a year away. Even if that is the case, though, what matters is the direction the franchise is heading. The Texans have a concrete plan, and won't be in the cellar of the AFC South for long.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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