Texans Free Agency: Room For Veteran Receiver Alongside Brandin Cooks?

SEASON RECAP:

In the 12 games Moore played, he was a reliable option for the Texans' passing game that went beyond Cooks. He finished with 227 yards and caught all but one pass (21 of 22 targets) thrown his way.

Moore's production with the Texans was a massive surprise. The arrival of the six-year veteran in March of 2021 came with little expectations, as Moore spent the final two seasons with the Baltimore Ravens in an abyss.    

His most prominent astonishment of the season came during the Texans' Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. In his first start since 2019, Moore registered a career-high five receptions for 109 yards and a touchdown in a home defeat. 

At the 12:56 mark of the second quarter, rookie quarterback Davis Mills connected with Moore on a 67-yard touchdown pass — one of the Texans' most impressive plays of the season.

"He played phenomenal," Mills said after the loss. "He had that huge catch in the first half. That was a big play. It kind of got the momentum rolling, and he made some other big-time catches and blocks throughout the game.

"I felt like right when his number was called to go out there and play, he was ready for it. He's been right there during every week of practice, filling in when he needs to. He stepped into the role. Made some plays today." 

FREE AGENCY OUTLOOK: 

Moore will not be a hot commodity when free agency begins in March, and a reunion between Houston and the Cincinnati prodigy is highly conceivable.

In 2021, Moore had to persevere several setbacks before finding a consistent role on Houston's active roster. This year, Moore's spot on the Texans' 53-man roster is inevitable should the two parties reunite in the spring.