Free agent John Beck signs with Houston Texans as team seeks to strengthen backup-NFL News
The Houston Texans have further consolidated their strength at the backup quarterback positions by bringing in another free agent off the market to play with T.J. Yates and rookie, Case Keenum, just behind starting QB, Matt Schaub.
Texans confirmed the signing of free agent, John Beck, to an unknown contract, on Friday, May 11, 2012. The team did not disclose any details of the deal, neither its value nor tenure.
He would be joining Yates, who is back to the squad into second year of his professional career and Keenum who was picked off the National Football League (NFL) draft this year.
Beck might also get an opportunity to compete for the starting role against Yates in possible absence of Schaub on the starting line due to any reason, i.e. injuries etc.
Schaub will be rejoining the squad after missing most of the 2011 NFL season due to a foot injury.
With loss of other QB, Matt Leinart, Texans let the then rookie, Yates, to walk into Schaub’s shoes as the starting QB last year, and he proved himself worthy for the role.
So, there will certainly be a competition between Beck and Yates if an opportunity for the starting position presents itself amid unavailability of Schaub.
Since both players have some experience of the role on their resumes, it will be very challenging indeed for them to win the position.
Beck played for the Washington Redskins for the two years, where he had played four games while starting three.
He also got opportunities as a starter in four games during his two-season stint with the Miami Dolphins. Besides, Redskins and Dolphins, Beck has played a season (2009) from the Baltimore Ravens.
Both players seem to have an equal amount of experience as far as the starting job is concerned. However, Yates enjoys the advantage of having proven his talent and skills during the past season.
Yates had permanently been placed on the starting line by Texans last season, after they lost Schaub and Leinart to respective injuries.
He helped the team through to the playoffs by winning the American Football Conference (AFC) South division title, for the first time in their franchise history.
He is expected to perform even better this season.
The return of wide receiver, Andre Johnson, from a hamstring injury is going to aid the cause of both players, if given the starting role.
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