The Houston Texans are riding a five-game winning streak after their victory over the Miami Dolphins Thursday night.

However, in the process, they lost their second-best receiver, Will Fuller to a torn ACL for the rest for the season. What this does is place added pressure on Deshaun Watson, the defense, DeAndre Hopkins and now, Dez Bryant.

Since the Dallas Cowboys released Bryant this offseason, he’s been without a job possibly waiting for the right opportunity and team. Well, the Texans are just that.

With rumors that Bryant would join the Cleveland Browns, New England Patriots, or even travel back to Dallas, nothing has transpired from his early season visits. It’s time for him to make a move.

The Texans and Bryant are the perfect fit

Bryant will not have to leave the state of Texas. The offense, led by the second-year phenom, Watson is still finding its groove. But with Fuller gone, Watson and Hopkins may be asked to step it up another level. This season, the Texans are ranked 18th in passing yards, 17th in passing TDs, and 22nd in passing attempts. They should be better than this.

As explosive as Watson and Hopkins are as a duo, Fuller was making a name for himself this season. Before his injury, Fuller accumulated 32 receptions for 503 yards with an average of 15.7 yards per catch. Good numbers but even better when considering the running ability of Watson and that he plays on the opposite side of Hopkins.

Now, with that target gone, the Texans will look for a suitable replacement. There are a few players who come to mind such as Larry Fitzgerald, Terrelle Pryor, or even Demaryius Thomas of the Denver Broncos. But it’s Dez Bryant who has the most to offer the Texans at this point.

Over his career, Bryant has caught 531 passes for 7459 yards and 73 TDs. What’s also goes unmentioned regarding his accomplishments is that Bryant has averaged over 14 yards per reception. The reason for him being out of the game this season is questionable, but at this point, the Houston Texans should not care.

What the Texans are saying

Earlier this week, head coach Bill O’Brien went on record saying that he and GM Brian Gaine will look at other avenues but will most likely love to promote one of their receivers (Sammie Coats, Bruce Ellington, Vyncint Smith, and Keke Coutee). While each receiver knows the playbook, neither has the potential to stand out as Bryant would.

Hopkins is a threat anywhere on the field. However, adding a talent like Dez will take pressure off Watson and Hopkins.

As for the players mentioned above as Fuller’s replacement, which one is deserving of a double team? With Fuller coming into his own, defenses were reluctant to press and double Hopkins. Now, Hopkins may see more tight coverage which may put Watson is a difficult spot.

As a young QB, Watson may force the issue with the ball, thus resulting in interceptions. Not saying that Coats, Coutee or Ellington can’t get proper separation but this is not the point in the season where the Texans have the luxury to “hope” players can contribute.

After their injury-riddled season in 2017, the Houston Texans are in a position to make some noise. While teams like the Patriots, Steelers, and Chiefs may look to make upgrades before the Trade Deadline, the Texans must understand, that this is how winning is done and preserved.

While the Texans are wise to think the next man up motto is enough, the truth is, adding Dez Bryant is what they need.