The Houston Texans aren’t scared of competition — and they can’t afford to be if they want to improve from their 3-13-1 finish last season.
One area where the Texans are infusing competition that may be puzzling is kicker. Despite Ka’imi Fairbairn coming off a year where he drilled a career-high 93.5% on field goals (29-31) and went perfect for the first time on extra points (24-24), Houston signed a kicker.
The Texans announced Aug. 1 they signed undrafted Jake Bates from Arkansas.
Special teams coordinator Frank Ross emphasized the signing is part of the evaluation process that takes place in training camp.
“We have to evaluate as many players as we can,” said Ross. “This is training camp, so proving yourself every single day. As much competition as we can bring to the entire roster — doesn’t matter what you are, what position you are — the better is the way I see it.”
Bates, who graduated from Tomball High School, played his senior year at Arkansas. The 5-10, 202-pounder led FBS with an 85.3% touchback percentage (64-75).
