Houston Texans sign TE Layne Pryor

Houston's signing of Pryor earns a **C+ Contract Value Index (CVI)** — a pragmatic mid-tier move that reflects his positioning as a depth/rotation piece rather than a cornerstone contributor. At $1.03M AAV on a $3.1M total commitment, the Texans are paying replacement-level rates for a tight end with limited proven production, which is appropriate for a reserve role in the preseason ahead of their September regular-season push. The contract structure suggests minimal risk — short-term money on a player who won't dramatically impact cap flexibility — but also minimal upside; this is an organizational fill-a-roster-spot transaction, not a value steal. Pryor's age and injury history create legitimate concerns about consistent availability, making this the kind of signing that works as a depth safety net but shouldn't be interpreted as confidence in him as a featured pass-catcher. With the Texans sitting at 12-5 and the playoff window already open, adding low-cost depth makes cap sense, though the CVI grade reflects that this deal offers little margin for error — Pryor will need to justify his roster spot through performance rather than contract terms alone.