Former Texas A&M and New England Patriots lineman Ty Warren is apparently visiting the Texans after being released last week. The Bryan native would work nicely as a defensive end opposite J.J. Watt in Wade Phillip's new 3-4 defense.
↵That is, if Warren isn't injured still. The former first-round pick missed all of last season with a hip injury. When he was released by the Patriots, there was a little surprised suggested on Twitter as people speculated he might not be fully recovered from that hip.
↵Whether he sticks with the Texans and how much money he earns on this contract will largely be determined by that health factor. One option, if there are concerns about the hip, is Warren taking a one-year flyer with the Texans, proving he's healthy and then hitting the market again next season.
↵The one sticking point to Warren joining the team is the presence of Antonio Smith, who theoretically should have the other DE position locked up. That's why I think Warren only makes sense on a small, make-good deal. He could come in as a backup to both Watt and Smith, but if one of them struggles, Warren could certainly step in to fill that gap.
↵Oh, and as icing on the cake, Warren would quickly become very popular in the community. Even when he was playing for New England, he gave back a ton in his hometown through his work with the Boys and Girls Club of Bryan. A few years ago when the Pats were playing up in Dallas, Warren tried to take a group of kids up to the game. It ultimately didn't work out (because of ticket availability), but the thing that impressed me is Warren's commitment to the cause. He benefitted a bunch from the Club when he was younger and wants to give back to a good cause.
↵It's still a long shot that he ends up wearing Steel Blue, but I'm certainly pulling for it to happen.
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