Antony Auclair could have chosen to shop the free agent market over the past few days. Instead, he preferred to stay with the team he knew and which offered him some security, the Houston Texans.
Posted on March 16
After playing his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017-2020), Auclair joined the Texans a year ago.
Both sides have obviously been pleased, as the tight end recently signed a new one-season contract that will ensure him to earn a minimum of 1.6 million in 2022, even if he were to be released, which risks little to happen given this guaranteed money in the contract. Auclair could collect up to 2.2 million.
“What we were looking for was a commitment from the Texans,” Auclair said by videoconference.
“We won’t hide it, I wanted to be back. There was the question of comfort with the people I work with and with the city. For me, the most important thing was to return with the friends I made and the staff of the team. [staff]. »
Auclair and his agent Sasha Ghavami have discussed a few different scenarios with the Texans, including the possibility of a multi-season deal. But as Auclair himself explained, nothing is ever guaranteed in the NFL, no matter how long the contract is.
“They offered us a commitment in terms of guarantees. Some three-year contracts don’t come with any guarantees, so long term doesn’t mean anything.
“It is often said that players make their money by signing their second contract. I’m on my fourth! It’s my best so far, so on this level, we went to get what we had to, “said Auclair.
There’s never anything guaranteed, but I’ll have a little more security going to training camp. It’s a stress that we take away. My confidence will be high.
Anthony Auclair
Even if he will not receive a huge salary compared to what we see in the NFL, Auclair realizes how lucky he is to be able to be very well paid to practice the sport he loves.
“It can change the future of my children and those around me and it’s not something I take for granted. I’m really grateful. »
Appreciated by coaches
First and foremost known for his blocking skills, the Quebecer scored his first career touchdown last season. He could be used a bit more as a receiver this year, having 15 catches in his career, but Auclair will do what is required of him.
One thing was certain, the Texans wanted him back with them. Before signing his new contract, Auclair received calls from several coaches at the club, including new pilot Lovie Smith, who was the Texans’ defensive coordinator in 2021.
It’s really nice to know that the coaches really wanted me. For me, it weighed in the balance.
Anthony Auclair
Auclair said he was proud of his NFL career, and with good reason.
The former Rouge et Or of Laval University recalled that stays in the NFL are often ephemeral, he who will play a sixth season in the Goodell circuit, an experience that will encourage him to play a greater role. leadership on a team expected to be one of the youngest in the NFL in 2022.
“It’s a role that I enjoy and love. It’s definitely one of my goals for next season. »
Watson, Mills and… Brady
The Texans are expected to finally trade Deshaun Watson in the next few days. The controversy involving him has hovered like a dark cloud over the organization over the past year. Because of his problems off the pitch, but also because he had already asked to be traded before they even arose.
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Deshaun Watson
“We don’t talk about it much, it’s a bit of a taboo subject with the Texans. So even inside the team during the season, we didn’t really dare to talk about it. But the future is bright, both for the Deshaun Watson camp and for the Texans,” said Auclair.
The absence of Watson, who was inactive throughout last season, allowed the Texans to play their rookie Davis Mills. After a tough start, the quarterback showed some great things down the stretch.
“He’s a youngster who was thrown into the lion’s den at the start of the season after Tyrod’s injury [Taylor]. We saw at the end of the season that he had really improved. I think he can have a bright future with the Texans. »
Predictably, Auclair was also asked about his former quarterback…Tom Brady, who announced his return to the game after a 40-day “retirement” on Sunday night.
“I’m not really surprised. By his standards, I don’t think he left the way he wanted,” Auclair replied.
Interest in Duvernay-Tardif
Auclair will play another season in the NFL, but what about his compatriot Laurent Duvernay-Tardif? The guard has been able to negotiate with teams of his choice since the start of the week and there is reportedly interest, according to his agent and friend Sasha Ghavami.
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Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
“There is indeed a great interest in the league for Laurent. Our game plan has always been to be patient. We will take the time to evaluate all our options, but a return with the Jets is not excluded. »
Drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014, Duvernay-Tardif was traded to the New York Jets at the trade deadline in early November. He was part of the starting lineup as a right guard from mid-November.
The Jets, however, gave a three-year contract worth more than $41 million to Laken Tomlinson, one of the league’s good young guards, a few days ago. They had also drafted guard Alijah Vera-Tucker in the 14the rank in 2021. So if Duvernay-Tardif is back with the Jets, it will almost certainly be in a reserve role.
In the process, one will analyze all the options carefully before making a decision.
Sasha Ghavami
Duvernay-Tardif would have obtained the green light from the department of medicine of McGill University in order to be able to pursue his football career, which he would like to do. Several teams have indicated their interest, but several factors will be part of the equation for Duvernay-Tardif, including the quality of the team and its role in it.
If he does not receive an offer that suits him in the next few days or weeks, Duvernay-Tardif could choose to wait even longer. Some teams may determine they need more guard duty after the draft at the end of April. Others may have to fill a position if a player were injured during the offseason or training camp.
