Former Saints tackle signs deal with incentives
By CARLTON THOMPSON
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
The Texans bolstered their offensive line depth and possibly gave left tackle Seth Wand reason to look over his shoulder by signing veteran tackle Victor Riley to a one-year deal with a base salary of $655,000 and a $50,000 signing bonus Thursday.
The deal includes a $100,000 bonus if Riley makes the season-opening roster and plays in at least one game.
Riley, a 6-5 and 328-pound seven-year veteran, spent the past three seasons with New Orleans, including the past two as starting right tackle.
Because the Texans have made a long-term commitment to right tackle Todd Wade, the left tackle position gives Riley the best opportunity to start with the Texans.
At the very least, the former first-round pick upgrades the Texans' depth at a thin position. Riley, 30, could earn an additional $185,000 in playing-time incentives.
Upon agreeing to a deal, Riley was given no guarantee he will be inserted into the starting lineup, but all indications are Wand is working with a shorter leash than in 2004, his first season as a starter.
The Texans allowed more sacks (49) than just six teams last season, and David Carr has been dumped more than any quarterback in the NFL over the past three years.
Upgrading the pass protection was on the Texans' offseason wish list, but the franchise didn't find a good fit in the early free-agent market or in the NFL draft, and failed in its aggressive attempt to make a trade for seven-time Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Pace of the St. Louis Rams.
Marcus Spears, 33, backed up both tackle positions for the Texans last season, but he remains an unsigned free agent, and the addition of Riley makes his return unlikely
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