During the next few weeks we'll take a look at the Texans' pending free agents. Check out the whole series here.
Center Ben Jones
How he became a Texan: Fourth-round draft pick in 2012
2015 numbers: 16 games, snapped to four quarterbacks
Why he might return: Jones is a smart player who helped the Texans' myriad quarterbacks prepare during the season. He worked extra with Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett, T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden, all of whom started this season and won at least one game as a starter. Jones played through injuries -- Texans coach Bill O'Brien said he had a sprained medial collateral ligament and a back injury. Jones referred to those as "bumps and bruises" and insisted he would not have to have any offseason procedures to improve his health. That kind of toughness goes a long way with this coaching staff.
Why he might not return: Jones has only been the Texans' starter at center for one season, so replacing him wouldn't cause tremendous upheaval for the Texans. Jones was drafted to be a center, but didn't play the position until last season, after the Texans released longtime center Chris Myers. If they believe they can upgrade in the draft, there wouldn't be much downside in doing that.
