Before the window to negotiate with other teams' free agents opens at noon ET on Monday, the Houston Texans took care of a little in-house business.
Houston agreed to terms with four players: cornerback Charles James, punter Shane Lechler, kicker Nick Novak and offensive lineman Jeff Adams.
James became a fan favorite after his appearances on "Hard Knocks" during which he showed off his flashy socks and his passion for making it in the NFL. James was a key for the Texans on special teams, and a big part of the Texans' improvement on those units. He spent training camp with the Texans, didn't make their opening day roster, and then returned during the season.
Lechler will turn 40 this year, and both he and the Texans believe he has a few more years left. He originally signed with the Texans before the 2013 season, hoping for a chance at a Super Bowl. Lechler said last month he believes that can still happen in Houston.
Novak was a mid-season addition, replacing Randy Bullock. He made 18 of 21 field goal attempts, with all three misses coming from 50 yards or longer. He also missed two extra points of the 31 he kicked.
Adams suffered a significant knee injury in the Texans' Week 2 loss to the Panthers and went on injured reserve. Adams had been starting at left guard until then and will likely compete there with Xavier Su'a-Filo again.
