Despite benching, Houston QB Davis Mills has clear future in NFL

The Houston Texans might be finished with quarterback Davis Mills, but he won't be done with the NFL. 

The 2021 third-round pick out of Stanford has started 21 games with the Texans. However, he's only posted three wins and one tie. 

The Texans made the decision this week to bench Mills in favor of journeyman Kyle Allen ahead of their Week 12 game against the Miami Dolphins. 

With the Texans at 1-8-1 and holding onto the top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mills' time starting for the Texans appears to be over. 

Only 24, Mills should still have a bright future ahead of him as a backup in the league. It's not to say he won't start again. Mills' ability to hold down an NFL team for a handful of games a season will keep him employed for years to come. 

With two years left on his rookie deal after the season, the Texans could hold onto him to supplant the eventual successor. Or they could trade him for a mid-round pick in the next draft to a team that desperately needs a reliable backup on the roster. 

Being benched this early in your career is never easy. Mills has thrown for 4,808 yards and 27 touchdowns so far, which is solid. However, his 21 interceptions show that he's literally being picked off once a game on average. 

If Mills can clean up his turnovers, perhaps he'll get another chance down the road to snag a starting role with a team. Even now, Mills should be able to make a living as a quality reserve player with plenty of starting experience. 

Whether it's in Houston or elsewhere, he can still count on being on an NFL roster.