The Houston Texans still need to target an offensive guard to make their offensive line complete this free agency period. One name that many pegged to come down to NRG Stadium was recently released Green Bay Packers interior lineman Elgton Jenkins.
So, was he ever a viable option for the Texans when he hit the open market? According to several reports, Houston piqued his interest, but not his asking price on the market.
According to multiple reports, Houston presented a competitive offer for Jenkins, but was ultimately outbid by the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal worth $24 million, $20.1 of which is fully guaranteed. According to KPRC 2 Sports Aaron Wilson, the Texans declined to offer a deal similar in terms of guarantees and were not willing to trade for the two-time Pro Bowler before he hit free agency.
Jenkins, who can play guard or center, has been one of the league’s better interior linemen since being drafted out of Mississippi State in 2019. In Cleveland, he’ll be the missing link of a hopefully improved offensive line, featuring former Texans right tackle Tytus Howard, former Los Angeles Chargers guard Zion Johnson and Teven Jenkins.
Just because the Texans didn’t land Jenkins doesn’t mean they aren’t committed to fixing their underwhelming trenches. Earlier in the week, Houston inked veteran Trent Brown to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. They followed that by re-signing right guard Ed Ingram to a three-year, $37.5 million deal and bringing in Indianapolis Colts tackle Braden Smith on a two-year, $20 million deal.
What’s the plan with Smith? Drafted as a guard out of Auburn in 2018, Smith played nearly every snap at right tackle, but could transition back to the interior. The bigger question is whether, if they move him inside, he would also have to switch sides of the field. Even during his time at Auburn, Smith only lined up on the right side of the line.
Houston isn’t done targeting linemen. According to reports, Cleveland Browns guard Wyatt Teller has interest in the Texans, though a deal isn’t expected to be imminent. 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 for that asking price? It’s a bit too much for the liking of general manager Nick Caserio.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Report: Texans checked in on Elgton Jenkins before Browns’ signing
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
