Texans sign Ryan Fitzpatrick

[Alan]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/03/20/texans-sign-ryan-fitzpatrick/

Texans sign Ryan Fitzpatrick
Posted by Michael David Smith on March 20, 2014, 6:39 PM EDT

AP
The Texans haven’t yet identified their franchise quarterback of the future, but they have identified a veteran who could serve as a short-term starter and/or a veteran mentor to the No. 1 overall pick.

Ryan Fitzpatrick, formerly of the Titans, has signed with the Texans today. Ed Werder of ESPN reports that it’s a two-year deal.

This move makes clear — if it wasn’t clear already — that veteran quarterbackMatt Schaub will not remain in Houston. Schaub is still under contract, but the Texans will either trade him or cut him.

The 31-year-old Fitzpatrick started nine games last year and has previously been a starter in Buffalo and Cincinnati, and he could start in Houston this year. If the Texans use the first overall pick in the NFL draft on a quarterback like Teddy Bridgewater, Blake Bortles or Johnny Manziel, they may decide to ease their rookie quarterback into the NFL and start the season with Fitzpatrick under center. If the Texans don’t use the first overall pick on a quarterback, Fitzpatrick would likely beat out Case Keenum and T.J. Yates for the starting job.

Fitzpatrick is never going to be a great quarterback, but he can be a competent quarterback while the Texans figure out if they can draft a quarterback who will eventually be great.

Uh-oh.
I'm not sure exactly what effect this will have on their draft because I doubt they look at Ryan as the long term solution. Plus, when will they be in a position to draft the top QB again but still...

 

[Ramrasta]

Not exactly great news but they only signed him on a 2 year deal and he is already pretty old so I think this is only an insurance policy. This does not solve their QB needs but it might give them the wiggle room to grab Clowney without as much criticism.

 

[Alan]

 

[RamsFan14]

Goodluck to Fitzpatrick! Not gana lie, it'll be nice to see him have talent around him like Texans have. NOT saying he's gana be great or even good... But he is fun to cheer for tho, and having Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins to throw to sure does seem fun. Best of luck!

 

[Alan]

He's a former Ram too.

 

[Ramhusker]

I'd like to sign Hill PDQ

 

[BatteringRambo]

And now officially with the highest IQ of any other Texans player. Hmmm they have to go QB #1, right? (cough take Teddy!) , w/ Fitzy and Yates atop depth chart right now? Oh yeah they have Keenum too. Hmmm.

 

[RamEERS]

yeah.. he's in a mentor role there... not a starter... most he can do is backup...