The Houston Texans still need to target an offensive back to get their offensive line through this free agency period. Recently, Green Bay Packers interior linebacker Elgton Jenkins was considered by many to be at NRG Stadium.
So, will he be a viable option for the Texans when he hits the open market? Houston piqued his interest but not the asking price on the market, according to several reports.
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According to multiple reports, Houston made a competitive offer for Jenkins, but was ultimately outbid by the Cleveland Browns, who signed him to a two-year contract worth $24 million, with $20.1 of that fully guaranteed. The Texans declined to offer a similar deal with guaranteed money and are unwilling to trade the two-time Pro Bowler before he hits free agency, KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson reported.
Jenkins can play guard or center and has been one of the best post players in the league since being drafted out of Mississippi State in 2019. In Cleveland, he will be the missing link in a hopefully improved offensive line that includes former Texans right tackle Titus Howard and former Los Angeles Chargers linebackers Zion Johnson and Tevin Jenkins.
Just because the Texans didn’t acquire Jenkins, it doesn’t mean they aren’t committed to repairing their impressive trench. Earlier this week, Houston signed veteran Trent Brown to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. They subsequently re-signed right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year, $37.5 million contract and added Indianapolis Colts tackle Brayden Smith to a two-year, $20 million deal.
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Does Smith have any plans? Smith, who was drafted out of Auburn in 2018, plays right tackle on nearly every snap but can also switch back inside. The bigger question is whether he’ll have to change spots as well if they move him inside. Even during his time at Auburn, Smith only stood on the right side of the foul line.
Houston hasn’t stopped targeting linesmen. Cleveland Browns linebacker Wyatt Taylor is reportedly interested in the Texans, but a deal isn’t expected anytime soon. The Texans could also target a name or two with one of their first four picks in the upcoming draft.
Jenkins would have been a welcome addition, but what about the asking price? That was a bit much for general manager Nick Caserio.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wired: Texans: Houston targets former Packers’ Elgton Jenkins in free agency