Chris Clark Reportedly Re-Signs with Texans: Latest Contract Details, Reaction

The Houston Texans reportedly maintained some continuity along the offensive line Tuesday and brought back offensive tackle Chris Clark.

Mark Berman of Fox 26 in Houston shared the news that the Southern Mississippi product will be back in a Texans uniform. Clark appeared in 11 games last season for Houston.

On Wednesday morning, Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, citing sources, reported Clark's deal is for two years and worth $6 million.

The Texans acquired Clark via a trade with the Denver Broncos before the 2015 season in exchange for a 2016 draft pick. According to Pro-Football-Reference.com, Clark played in 69 games and started 27 of them for the Broncos from 2010-2014 before starting four of his 11 games in 2015 for the Texans.

Clark demonstrated his versatility by starting two games at each tackle spot and was an important piece for the depth up front.

Wilson said Monday that “several” teams were interested in Clark but that Houston wanted to keep him “in the wake of Pro Bowl alternate left tackle Duane Brown tearing his quadriceps tendon at the end of last season.”

Clark started Houston’s 30-0 playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs while Brown was out with his injury.

The Texans need to improve their offensive line play if they hope to advance further into the postseason in 2016. Football Outsiders ranked Houston a mediocre 18th in the league in run blocking and 17th in pass protection during the 2015 campaign, but this move at least gives some of the main cornerstones of the group the opportunity to develop together headed into a new season.

John McClain of the Houston Chronicle noted bringing back Clark means the Texans will have three of their offensive tackles back on the roster (Brown and Derrick Newton). However, McClain also pointed out, “Even though the Texans are re-signing Clark, they're still expected to draft an OT to develop. Brown recovering from surgery on quad tendon.”

That strategy makes sense considering Clark is 30 years old and Brown is still a health question mark until fully recovered. Even if the Texans do bring in a young offensive tackle via the draft, Clark will be there to provide depth at whichever tackle spot they need him at in 2016.