Texans Sign Braxton Berrios: What You Need To Know About Their 1-Year Deal

The Houston Texans have made a significant splash in the offseason by signing wide receiver Braxton Berrios to a one-year deal. The move may seem minor on the surface, but it has the potential to impact the team's passing game and depth chart in a meaningful way. In this article, we'll break down what you need to know about Berrios' signing and how it could affect the Texans' roster.

Berrios, a 6'1" receiver out of UCF, has been a journeyman in the NFL, playing for the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and New York Jets again. He has yet to become a consistent contributor in the league, but his skills and experience make him an attractive signing for a team like the Texans. With a void at the wide receiver position, Berrios provides the Texans with a cheap and experienced solution.

The Texans have a need at wide receiver, especially with Will Fuller V's injury-prone history and DeAndre Hopkins' departure. Berrios' signing addresses this need, but it also raises questions about his role in the team's offense. The Texans will likely use him as a reserve receiver, slot corner, or return specialist, but his involvement in the passing game will be limited.

Berrios' deal is a one-year, non-guaranteed contract worth $1.5 million. The Texans are taking a chance on him, but they're also hedging their bets with a non-guaranteed contract. This move shows that the team is committed to building a deep and talented roster, but it also underscores the uncertainty that comes with dealing with journeymen players.

Impact on the Texans' Depth Chart

The signing of Braxton Berrios has significant implications for the Texans' depth chart. With Berrios added to the mix, the team's depth chart at wide receiver will likely look like this:

• Brandin Cooks
• Nico Collins
• Tanard Jones
• Braxton Berrios
• Chris Moore
• Keke Coutee

Berrios will likely serve as a reserve receiver and slot corner, but he may also be used as a return specialist. The presence of Berrios also creates uncertainty about the status of Tanard Jones, who was listed as a wide receiver on the team's depth chart. Jones is a talented player, but his use in the offense has been limited in recent years.

The signing of Berrios also underscores the Texans' willingness to experiment with different receiver combinations. The team will likely try out different looks and packages to find the right combination that works best for the offense.

Berrios' Role in the Texans' Passing Game

Berrios is expected to play a limited role in the Texans' passing game. He's not a big target, but he's a reliable possession receiver who can create separation in the slot. Berrios has a reputation for being a physical receiver who can run with the ball after the catch.

The Texans will likely use Berrios as a check-down receiver in third-and-short situations, where he can create a spark and break off a big gain. He may also be used as a safety valve in long third downs, where he can absorb a hit and make a play for a few yards.

Berrios' inexperience in the NFL means that he's likely to take a beating in the Texans' offense. He'll need to learn to read defenses and find open spots to exploit. But with the guidance of the Texans' coaching staff, Berrios has the potential to become a valuable contributor in the offense.

Berrios' Statistical Profile

Berrios has a modest statistical profile, but he's shown flashes of brilliance in his limited playing time. Here are some of his most notable statistics:

• 145 receptions on 224 targets (64.8% catch rate) in his four years as an NFL player
• 840 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns
• 2.8 yards per reception and 0.2 yards after catch per reception

Berrios is a speedy receiver who can stretch the field, but he's also a reliable possession receiver who can create separation in traffic. His size and athleticism make him a mismatch for smaller cornerbacks, and his route-running skills allow him to create separation in the slot.

Texans' Coaching Staff Reacts to Berrios' Signing

The Texans' coaching staff was pleased with the signing of Braxton Berrios. Head coach Lovie Smith praised Berrios' athleticism and experience, saying: "We're happy to have Braxton on board. He's a tough receiver who can make plays in the slot or on the outside. We're looking forward to seeing what he can do for us."

Quarterbacks coach Dave Canales also spoke about Berrios, saying: "Braxton is a physical receiver who can run with the ball after the catch. We'll use him as a check-down receiver in third-and-short situations and look for him to make big plays in the slot."

The signing of Berrios is a minor splash in the Texans' offseason, but it has the potential to impact the team's passing game and depth chart in a meaningful way. With Berrios on board, the Texans will have a more versatile and dynamic offense, and fans can look forward to seeing what he can do in the regular season.

What's Next for Braxton Berrios

Berrios is expected to compete for a spot on the Texans' active roster, but he'll also need to earn a role in the offense. The team will likely use him as a reserve receiver and slot corner, but he may also be used as a return specialist.

Berrios will have to prove himself to the coaching staff and earn a spot in the Texans' offense. He'll need to show that he can create separation in traffic and make big plays in the