During the next few weeks we'll take a look at the Houston Texans' pending free agents. Check out the whole series here.
Quarterback T.J. Yates
How he became a Texan: Yates was a fifth-round draft pick in 2011, but was released before the 2014 season. When the Texans released Ryan Mallett on Oct. 27, 2015, they signed Yates to back up quarterback Brian Hoyer. Yates was a street free agent.
2015 numbers: four games, 28 completions, 57 attempts, 370 passing yards, three touchdowns, one interception, two wins.
Why he might return: Yates did a good job in relief of Hoyer. He led the Texans to a 10-6 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, entering the game after Hoyer suffered a concussion. Yates threw the game's only touchdown, adding to his legend against the Bengals. Yates also beat the Bengals twice during his rookie year, once to clinch the Texans' first playoff berth in franchise history and once to win their first playoff game in franchise history. This season he started against the New York Jets, and completed 16 of 34 pass attempts and threw two touchdowns. Yates managed a game plan designed to mask his inexperience with the Texans' playbook. After all, he hadn't yet been with the team a full month when he made that start. The Texans are hoping to add a young quarterback they feel can be their future at the position this year. They'll need a veteran backup for insurance, and that player might be Hoyer, who was the team's starter this season. Hoyer has another year left on his contract, which would pay him $5.25 million if he remains on the roster. Yates would likely be a less-expensive option.
Why he might not return: Yates suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament on Dec. 20 after starting against the Indianapolis Colts. That's an injury with a recovery that takes nine months and the Texans might not want to take the risk of waiting that long on their backup quarterback. Injuries can have cruel consequences for players reaching the end of their deals.
