The Houston Texans have acquired New England Patriots quaterback Ryan Mallett. First year head coach Bill O’Brien, and former Patriot assistant, needed a QB to build around in Houston and it looks like he has his man.
According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport the official deal is Mallet heading to Houston for a conditional draft pick, according to CBSsports.com. The pick can reportedly be as high as a sixth rounder.
The story was a hot one in March, and leading up to the draft. As the Texans held the number one overall pick, the question of whether they’d go QB or not was still in the air. Choosing Jadeveon Clowney left a gaping-hole at the most important position in the NFL, and the possibility of Mallett lingered.
The QB situation in Houston is now youngster Ryan Mallett and journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick. QB Case Keenum looks to be the lone casualty of the trade as the Texans have informed him he’ll be released.
Mallet was a third round selection in 2011 by the Patriots and possesses incredible arm strength out of the University of Arkansas. Backing up Tom Brady for the past three seasons, Mallett has only seen action in four regular season games going 1 for 4 with 17 yards and no TD’s, according to ProFootballReference.com.
While Fitzpatrick will begin the season as the starter, most speculate that Mallett is now the future at the position. O’Brien has now chosen his man and will be tested every step along the way in how he develops the kid. The blueprint is now in place. Will it be executed? One thing is for sure: there is no better mentor than Tom Brady.