Jake Andrews

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Above-replacement production at the center salary tier earns Jake Andrews a C+ Contract Value Index. At $1.16M AAV on a four-year rookie scale deal, Andrews represents efficient cap deployment for a depth-to-potential-starter caliber player, though his 2025 season production—16 games with minimal counting stats—underscores why the Texans are actively exploring upgrades at the position. The center market values proven snap exchange and communication, areas where Andrews has drawn media scrutiny despite his playoff-level participation; his contract sits comfortably below market rate for proven starters, a positioning that reflects both his second-year status and organizational caution. At 26 years old on the back half of his rookie deal, Andrews sits at a critical juncture where performance trajectory will determine whether he commands a second contract or transitions to depth-only utility. The C+ CVI grade acknowledges the value efficiency of the deal itself, but the mediaFraming is unambiguous: Andrews is penciled in as a vulnerable depth piece competing for his roster spot in a Houston offense undergoing active roster flux, with the team's recent signings and reported willingness to move on from the incumbent starter suggesting his path to consistent playing time remains uncertain and contingent on exceptional performance in the offseason competition.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the C band — a quick read on where Jake's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Jake Andrews is a third-year center for the Houston Texans still operating as a developmental prospect despite earning a B performance grade this season. At 26 years old with just 16 career games under his belt, Andrews remains a young talent with significant upside rather than an established starter. He projects as a long-term building block for the Texans' offensive line, though his limited experience means the sample size for evaluation remains constrained. Andrews' most notable metric is his availability, posting a 98.2 snap percentage that exceeds the NFL average of 72.0 and approaches elite durability thresholds. This reliability is a critical foundation for any center, particularly one tasked with protecting a developing quarterback and managing protections. His primary developmental challenge lies in consistency at the point of attack and recognizing defensive looks pre-snap, areas where veteran centers typically separate themselves from younger competition. Andrews demonstrates the positional versatility and football intelligence expected of a quality center, though his grade reflects room for refinement in gap recognition and anchor strength. The gap between his modest 16-game resume and the positional demands of year-round starting snaps suggests incremental growth should be expected rather than dramatic leaps. His durability edge indicates the Texans view him as their long-term answer, but Andrews will need to elevate his technical consistency to reach a B+ or A- grade. Watch his performance in high-leverage situations next season to gauge whether his foundation translates into sustained, elite-level play.

How Jake Compares at the Position

Jake Andrews ranks 5th of 72 graded centers by performance. That slots Jake between Ryan Neuzil (B+) just ahead and Ethan Pocic (B) just behind.

Current Sentiment

Jake Andrews enters 2026 as a depth center competing for Houston's starting role, a position that generates modest but genuine organizational interest. Media coverage reflects genuine competition rather than established confidence, with headlines emphasizing his candidacy in an open race rather than his proven track record. His Alabama pedigree and three years of NFL experience position him as a legitimate backup-to-starter prospect, but the absence of Pro Bowl honors, All-Pro recognition, or statistical distinction keeps him firmly in the role-player tier. The tone of recent coverage—particularly references to a "surprising front-runner" and "taking the helm"—suggests the Texans view him as a viable option rather than a franchise cornerstone. Fan and media perception remains cautiously optimistic but tempered by the reality that Andrews has not yet established himself as a reliable NFL starter at center.