Ryan Mallett Re-Signs with Texans: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

Quarterback Ryan Mallett has all the tools teams look for in a prototypical NFL passer, and the Houston Texans are hoping that he can refine those skills after signing him to a new contract. 

"NFL sources confirm Ryan Mallett's two-year deal is worth $7 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed," reported Mark Berman of MyFoxHouston.com, which supported an earlier report from John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

The Texans confirmed the news on Tuesday.

The New England Patriots made Mallett a third-round pick in the 2011 draft, and he proceeded to spend three seasons as Tom Brady's understudy. After getting dealt to the Texans prior to the 2014 campaign, however, he earned the opportunity to start some games.

Mallett started two contests for the Texans and showed some promise, but his time as the No. 1 quarterback was cut short by a pectoral tear that prematurely ended his season.

It was tough to get a gauge on Mallett's prospects of being a long-term NFL starter, but there was certainly interest on the former University of Arkansas standout's part in terms of returning to Houston.

On Feb. 25, McClain passed along comments from Mallett regarding his outlook heading into 2015 and his recovery following surgery on his torn pectoral muscle. He stated he'd like to be back with the Texans and added, "Hopefully, we can get something worked out."

All signs pointed toward the Texans retaining Mallett and giving him an opportunity to win the starting job in training camp, and that is ultimately the direction that Houston decided to take. However, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported prior to the Mallett deal that the Texans also planned to sign Brian Hoyer.

There is a lot to like about Mallett as he has ideal size and a rocket arm to boot; however, he is still living off potential rather than results after four years as a pro. Based on the other possibilities laid in front of the Texans, though, keeping Mallett looks to be a wise gamble. At the very least, he would make for a great insurance policy for Hoyer, if the team secures a deal with him to make him the starting quarterback.

With weapons on offense such as running back Arian Foster and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, Mallett could develop into a quality quarterback over the course of an entire season.

This may be his last chance to show he can be more than a No. 2 guy at the NFL level, and it is now up to Mallett to prove it.  

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