Today begins the second week of a series looking at the Houston Texans' pending free agents. Read the whole series here.
Guard Brandon Brooks
2015 numbers: Played and started in 14 regular season games and one playoff game. All but one start came at right guard.
How he became a Texan: Brooks was a third-round draft pick in 2012 and became a full-time starter in 2013.
Why he might be back: He's a smart, strong player at a position where the Texans wouldn't have a sure replacement if they let him go. The Texans have invested time in Brooks, who has grown into the right guard position. "He's a very talented guy that over the last two years has -- when he's been out there, has played very consistently for us," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said at season's end. Continuity on the offensive line is important and Brooks has worked to develop it with right tackle Derek Newton.
Why he might not be back: That O'Brien included the "when he's been out there" as part of his description of Brooks might be telling. Brooks missed one game this season with a nasty toe injury, another game with a severe stomach issue and one game with a stomach issue in 2014. It isn't a high number of missed games, but it could impact negotiations this spring if that's something that concerns the Texans.
