The Houston Texans are signing wide receiver Robert Woods, adding the veteran just a few weeks after he was released by the Tennessee Titans.
Woods, age 30, landed with the Titans last offseason after they traded a 2023 sixth-round pick to the Los Angeles Rams to acquire him. The 30-year-old receiver was relatively effective, leading the team in targets (91), games played) and receiving yards (527).
- Robert Woods stats (2022): 53 receptions, 527 receiving yards, 31 first downs
Tennessee released Woods in late February, clearing significant cap space as the roster undergoes an overhaul. By releasing him before the start of the new league year (March 15), it allowed the Super Bowl champion to sign with a team before the top NFL free agents
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According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Woods’ two-year contract with Houston comes with $10 million fully guaranteed and incentives could push the total value to $17 million.
The addition provides Houston with additional flexibility this offseason. Brandin Cooks, the team’s No. 1 receiver, expressed a desire to be traded at the start of the offseason. Multiple NFL teams are interested and Woods’ arrival provides a much-needed veteran in the locker room who could fill that void and mentor the young receivers if Cooks is dealt.
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It’s an important decision considering the Texans’ plans in the 2023 NFL Draft. During head-coaching interviews, ownership and general manager Nick Caserio reportedly made it clear that they will draft a quarterback with the second overall pick.
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While the Carolina Panthers’ move up to No. 1 overall means Houston won’t get to choose between Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud, whichever quarterback makes it to No. 2 is still a player the Texans can build their franchise around.
- Robert Woods career stats: 623 receptions, 7,604 receiving yards, 12.2 yards per catch
Woods is entering his age-31 season, so expectations need to be tempered. The 6-foot wide receiver ranked 71st in total yards after catch (142), 87th in yards per target (5.9), 62nd in target separation (1.64 yards) and 44th in route win rate (41.4%) last season, per Player Profiler.
Operating in offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s offense, Woods will work underneath and help pick up first downs for the Texans’ offense. He could also be an ideal mentor if Houston uses the 12th pick on a receiver like Quentin Johnston or Jordan Addison.