Nick

Martin

A second-round pick by the Texans back in 2016, Martin spent last season with the Raiders. He will offer depth after the Commanders lost Chase Roullier to a knee injury. Roullier was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

A starter the past four years in Houston, Martin was released on the eve of free agency. He slots in as the immediate favorite to replace Rodney Hudson in Las Vegas, though the Raiders undoubtedly have more bodies to add on the interior. Martin can hold his own in the passing game but tended to get washed out in the run. That is not going to fly with coach Jon Gruden, but perhaps Martin’s blocking will improve in a different system.

Houston’s former second-round pick in 2016, Martin, the younger brother of Cowboys G Zack Martin, was signed to a three-year, $33 million contract two years ago that included $18.3 million guaranteed. The Texans will ultimately save $6.25 million against the cap by moving on, simultaneously losing its starting center in every game for the past three seasons. Martin, 27, is notably an above-average pass blocker but struggles creating holes in the running game. The organization could instead opt to shift starting right guard Zach Fulton to center moving forward.

Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the deal includes $18.35 million guaranteed. The No. 50 overall pick of the 2016 draft was in the final year of his rookie contract. Although he’s hardly been an All-Pro, Martin has been an improving player since missing his entire rookie season with an ankle injury. The Texans, who have been desperately to solidify their offensive line, clearly think the improvement will continue. Martin was on the old side for a prospect and turns 27 next April.

He’s making progress in his recovery from ankle surgery. Martin was ineffective in his 14 starts last season, earning PFF’s No. 33 grade out of 38 qualifiers at center. Assuming he’s healthy, the 24-year-old will compete with Greg Mancz for the starting center job in training camp.

It’s not looking good for Martin to play in Week 1. The possibility of surgery indicates Martin suffered an especially severe high ankle sprain, one perhaps involving ligament damage. Greg Mancz is the next man up.

Martin is expected to open the year as the Texans’ starting pivot, but the Houston Chronicle’s John McClain reports his availability for Week 1 is now in question. High-ankle sprains are typically 2-4 week injuries. Martin only recently returned from a back injury. If Martin is unable to go in the opener, second-year C Greg Mancz is next in line.

The door is wide open at center following Ben Jones’ departure and it looks like Martin has a leg up on Tony Bergstrom, who is also competing for a role on the interior. Bergstrom, who started three games for Oakland in 2015, could also challenge Xavier Su’a-Filo for playing time at left guard.

ESPN reports Martin is expected to miss at least four months, which would essentially rule him out for all of the regular season. It is possible he returns late in the year for a playoff push. Martin suffered what was called a high-ankle sprain last week, but it is clear the injury was more severe than initially reported. With Martin expected to serve as the starting center as a rookie, the Texans will now turn to undrafted sophomore Greg Mancz.

Martin could eventually become the Texans’ I.R./recall player -- teams don’t have to designate that player beforehand, anymore -- but he’s more likely to miss his entire rookie season. Greg Mancz is the Texans’ new starting center.