The 610 AM host responds to the first week of free agency
Sean Pendergast has been the co-host of the 610 AM morning show for the better part of a decade. He has been at ground zero with co-host and former Texans Seth Payne (Payne and Pendergast throughout most of that time. Last week was an interesting week for Houston Texans fans as vice present and general manager Nick Caserio swung three impactful trades in the span of a week. We started our conversation there.
Battle Red Blog: Obviously the Laremy Tunsil deal was the biggest Texans deal in the new league year. What did you think of the idea of trading him and more specifically the return we got back?
Sean Pendergast: I was completely in favor of it. My gut reaction when I saw the news was that I felt like the team could finally get on with building the offensive line room in the image that DeMeco Ryans has built the defense. This was never going to become a gritty, tough, SWARMY offensive line room with Tunsil as its leader. As for the return they got back, the draft chart nerds all seem to think it’s acceptable. I like that it’s multiple picks spread out over two drafts.
BRB: In terms of the new additions/re-signings, which one do you think will end up being the most significant?
SP: The acquisition of CJ Gardner-Johnson, for sure. He seems to be SWARM on steroids, a younger version of what the team has been hoping to get for 17 games with Jimmie Ward. If I could add one that I’m intrigued by, it’s Darrell Taylor, the edge rusher from the Bears that they signed for $5.25M for one year. His pass rushing stats, win rate and such, are very good for a guy getting a one year journeyman’s wage.
BRB: If we assume the Texans aren’t done, what is the one significant move they have in them?
SP: I don’t know how many “significant” moves are available to them right now. The free agency class has been picked through like a Wal-Mart DVD bin and it wasn’t that great to begin with, so I’ll say bringing back Stefon Diggs. They know Diggs, his rehab looks like it’s going well, and he would fill a need. I wouldn’t go much higher than $10M or $12M for him, but that feels like a move that would be met with a nice pop.
BRB: How if at all have the Texans draft needs changed based on what has happened this last week?
SP: Offensive line is an even bigger need now than it was before. The lack of movement for any high level weapons, outside of Christian Kirk, would push wide receiver and particularly running back up my big board. It’s a really good draft for running backs, and I’d love to see them get a poor man’s Jahmyr Gibbs type on Day 2 or Day 3.
BRB: It’s been awhile since the Nick Caley hire. Based on his past coaching career and the changes from the last week, what tangible changes can we expect from the offense?
SP: More use fo a true slot receiver, more focus on fundamentals throughout the offense but especially on the offensive line, and a true focus on a competent run game (based on the trade of Tunsil and the signing of a real fullback).
We want to thank Sean for taking the time to answer our questions so our fans can keep up with all that is going on with the hometown Texans. It looks like things are dying down in time for the team to prepare for the 2025 draft. We might revisit this feature at that point, but we will hear from some more local media personalities before we get to the draft. We want to wish Sean and his partner Seth the best of luck from here on out and many more good years to come.