It was announced on Monday by Jeb Putzier’s agent,
Joe Linta, that the former Denver Broncos tight end
will be staying in Houston for a while. Putzier comes to the Texans for a four
year contract that is reportedly worth $7.5 million dollar contract that
includes a $1.85 million dollar signing bonus.
Putzier had played with the
Broncos for four years. He worked himself up to be the Broncos number two tight
end and played all sixteen regular season games in both the 2004 and 2005
seasons.
It looks like the Texans new Head
Coach Gary Kubiak has fond memories of Putzier and what he can do on the field.
Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for Denver where he worked Putzier into an
integral part of the Broncos offensive scheme.
While playing for the Broncos,
Putzier made 77 receptions for a total of 1,087 yards. During his last two
seasons with the Broncos, he caught 73 of his 77 passes and 1,053 of his total
yards.
Putzier will be a great asset to
the Texans offense. As a former college receiver, Putzier has some great hands
that are sure to be utilized by Texans QB David Carr. The Texans surely need
some help when it comes to good hands too, since they have lost two of their
best wide receivers to free agency.
Putzier also averages 14.1 per
reception over the course of his career and will be a real threat to linebackers
who are looking to stop him from crossing the first down marker.
The newest addition to the Texans doesn’t just have experience from the line of
scrimmage, either. During the 2003 season with the Broncos, Putzier averaged 16
yards returning punts for the team, but don’t be looking for the Texans to use
him for that purpose.
The Texans have done well adding
several new offensive weapons to the team with the signing of Putzier and wide
receiver Kevin Walter, all while eager fans are counting the days until the
first pick of the draft when the Texans are expected to add running back Reggie Bush to the offensive arsenal.
Provided the Texans can obtain
some new linemen in the remaining time of free agency to put in front of Carr
(or get the current linemen up to professional standards), the combined threat
of Houston’s potentially lethal running game and some soft hands from receivers
and tight ends could completely turn last season’s debacle around 180 degrees.
General Manager Charlie Casserly and Head Coach Gary Kubiak are sure to have
some surprises still in store for those fans following the Texans off season
progress, but without some effective protection from Carr, the team’s offensive
potential could be limited. It is beginning to look as if the Texans will be
looking to obtain some fresh talent on the line from the draft, instead of
experience from free agency.