Texans Reportedly Re-Signing Darren Fells Will Prove to Be an Underrated Offseason Move
By Brady Williams
According to NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, tight end Darren Fells is still a Houston Texan. The 34-year-old veteran won the starting spot last year after training camp injuries took out Jordan Thomas and Kahale Warring. It turned out to be an incredible opportunity for the Texans, as Fells proceeded to have a career-best season, hauling in 34 balls for 341 yards and seven touchdowns.
Fells being an unrestricted free agent made things complicated at the tight end position for Houston. That's why this new deal is such a good move. He's been fairly mediocre throughout his career, so he flies under the radar.
However, 2019 proved the man is steady. He's a consistent player that Deshaun Watson and company can count on to do his job.
Sources: The #Texans have agreed to terms on a 2-year contract extension for TE Darren Fells worth $7M. The deal, which pays the soon-to-be 34-year old $4M in 2020, comes after Fells set a career-high with 7 TDs. Now, he sticks in Houston.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 10, 2020
While the $7 million contract probably won't be leading off SportsCenter, the Texans have another reliable target. On a team that already includes DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, Fells is a great third option.
The Patriots have the best pass defense in the NFL and can't do anything about short passes to Duke Johnson and Darren Fells pic.twitter.com/KbeqDyJSOl
— Rivers McCown (@riversmccown) December 2, 2019
In 2019, Fells was targeted 48 times, nearly doubling his previous career-high. He gets open, and he doesn't drop the ball. In order for Houston's offense to continue hurting defenses, Watson needs a trustworthy TE to feed the pigskin. Fells is that guy.
He earned his spot in 2019, and now that he's earned a paycheck, he'll look to have another outstanding year once 2020 arrives.