ESPN 150 ranking: 123
Grade A: After the season, Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien said he was hoping to bring Shane Lechler back, and they were able to do so before he hit free agency. Lechler is one of the best punters in NFL history, and the Texans know what they will be getting from him next year.
What it means: Lechler’s signing gives the Texans continued consistency from the punter position, something O’Brien said was so valuable, especially late in games. O’Brien also said after the season that “it’s really good to see that from a veteran player who’s been around a long time, so that the younger players can see how you can improve even when you are 17 or 18 years into the game.