Should Texans target recently released OL Alex Cappa in free agency?
Should Texans target recently released OL Alex Cappa in free agency?
The Houston Texans need to upgrade their interior offensive line after giving up 54 sacks in 2024. Now, a cost-friendly option is on the market following his release.
The Cincinnati Bengals on Monday announced they released guard Alex Cappa. Cappa joined the AFC North franchise as an unrestricted free agent in 2022 and is entering his eighth NFL season.
A third round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the 2018 NFL draft out of Humboldt State, Cappa won a Super Bowl in 2020. Cappa was entering the final year of his contract with the Bengals and was scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent in 2026.
During his tenure in Cincinnati, Cappa started all 50 games at right guard. In 2023, he ranked 60th out of 62 players in pass block win rate as a guard, according to ESPN's stats and information. Last season, Cappa ranked last among 64 qualifying players in the same statistic.
In Houston, Cappa could be looking for a new home as the lowest asking price. Last season, he allowed the most sacks, pressures and hurries among all offensive linemen while protecting for All-Pro QB Joe Burrow, though he also was dealing with a lower-body injury suffered before the start of the regular season.
The Texans could also use Cappa to push down a move for overdrafting an offensive lineman. Houston must shore up its wide receiver room as well, so adding the former standout from Tampa could allow the franchise to select a No. 2 target with its first overall pick.
Money will talk for Houston, which currently only has $4.6 million in salary cap entering the new league year starting next week. Cappa, who is coming off a career-worst in run blocking, could be willing to take the league minimum just to hit reset on his time in the pros.
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