Love Ya Blue - The Return of the Houston Oilers

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New Oilers to Honor History with Uniforms

Houston, Texas - Mike Oxlong and the new Houston Oilers organization have released their uniforms. Choosing to use designs from the original Oilers past instead of starting fresh.

"It was important to us to honor the history of pro football in Houston. We wanted to give a nod to the entire history of the organization." Oxlong said.

The Oilers will wear a uniform modeled after the one worn from the late 70s until the team left at home, seen below.


FORMER OILERS QUARTERBACK WARREN MOON IN WHAT WILL BE THE HOME UNIFORM

On the road it will be the original Oilers away uniform, seen here.


KERRY COLLINS IN THE 2009 VERSION OF THE OILERS ROAD UNIFORMS

The choice has been well received by fans and experts alike.

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Let 'Em Walk

Houston, Texas - The new look Houston Oilers came into the offseason with a number of impending free agents. They have decided to let the majority of them walk. Offensive tackle Cameron Bradford, Defensive tackle Drake Nevis and Outside linebacker LaRoy Reynolds were the only players retained.

"Honestly, when you go 2-14 there probably aren't a ton of pieces that you want to go out of your way to keep. We're going for a total culture change here so we certainly want to get some new faces in town." Mike Oxlong said after the initial deals were done.

The exodus leaves Houston with many holes to fill, including a starting Quarterback, Runningback, Tight End and several spots on the Offensive Line that could use improvement. On the defensive side of the ball DT Drake Nevis, DE Alan Branch, LBs Paul Posluszny, Russell Allen and Geno Hayes and SS Johnathan Cyprien are great pieces. At least Oxlong and company can breathe a sigh of relief when they look at K Josh Scobee and P Bryan Anger, two of the team's best players.

With the first overall pick Houston has options. Do they go for their QB of the future? Build the offensive line? Go defense? With the draft just days away all that remains to be seen.

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Oilers Have Options, Money

Houston, Texas - One of the most intriguing teams to follow this offseason will be the Houston Oilers. They have a large number of needs and the cap space to fill a lot of them. Here we will take a look at some needs and possible free agents that could fill them.

COULD JOSH FREEMAN BE THE FIRST QUARTERBACK OF THE NEW OILERS?

Quarterback - Blaine Gabbert is the team's only QB Currently under contract. Sources close to the team have linked them to Josh Freeman as an early candidate. Tim Tebow's name has also come up, as it has everytime a team has needed a QB over the past few years. Another option would be through the draft, Ryen Irwin is the consensus #1 pick, though Houston could go another route with so many needs.

Runningback - Justin Forsett and Denard Robinson are the only runningbacks left and neither of them are an every down back. Aside from acquiring one in the draft the Oilers could try to sign Joique Bell, Ahmad Bradshaw, Ben Tate or Darren McFadden.

Fullback - There are plenty of free agents out there. The most attractive options are Marcel Reece and Michael Robinson. The draft is light at the position.

DECKER WOULD BE A HUGE SIGNING FOR THE OILERS

Wide Receiver - One of Houston's deepest positions, they likely won't try to make a huge splash here. Golden Tate, Julian Edelman, Jeremy Maclin and Eric Decker would be great additions, though the position is not at the top of the needs list.

Tight End - One of the positions that Houston has zero players at is Tight End. They have options in the draft but they reportedly have their eye on Anthony McCoy.

Offensive Line - Aside from LT Luke Joeckel the offensive line could use a complete rebuild. Beadles, Wendell, Saffold and Barclay would immediately give them one of the best lines in the league but they are expected to fill the need with a combination of rookies and veterans.

ROB NINKOVICH WOULD BE A GREAT VETERAN ADDITION TO A YOUNG HOUSTON DEFENSE

Defensive Line - To fill their needs on the defensive line the Oilers will need an end and a tackle. Rob Ninkovich stated his interest in joining the team via Twitter. DT Earl Mitchell has met with team officials twice.

Linebacker - One of the strongest positions in Houston is the linebacking corps. Led by Paul Posluszny, Geno Hayes and Russell Allen the only glaring hole would be a good backup. Wesley Woodyard has been linked to the team.

AQIB TALIB WOULD HELP STRENGTHEN A DEFENSE WHICH STRUGGLED IN 2013

Cornerbacks - Houston has a good #2 and #3 corner on the roster in Gratz and McCray but they lack that #1 guy. Aqib Talib, Brandon Browner and Chris Harris Jr are all available and would fit the bill. Rookie Sil Olugbode could be an option if they don't go QB with their first overall pick.

Safeties - Johnathan Cyprien gives Houston a solid option at one of the safety spots but across from him is a glaring hole. In today's pass first league a good duo of safeties is paramount for any team that hopes to have success. Kenny Phillips and Stevie Brown are both available and could fill the void for many years to come.

JOSH SCOBEE GIVES HOUSTON RELIABILITY AT THE KICKER POSITION

Specialists - Kicker and Punter are the only two positions that Houston has filled 100% with talented players. Slight upgrades may be available but with so many needs they aren't expected to tamper with the position.

The ball is truly in Houston's court. They have an attractive new stadium, an owner who wants to win and they have a plethora of cap space. It will be interesting to see just how aggressive they get during free agency.

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Familiar Face, New Place

Houston, Texas - The Oilers have officially landed their first free agent. Former Raider Marcel Reece has inked a deal to become the first piece of the puzzle that the Oilers are hoping will lead them into the future.

MARCEL REECE JOINS THE OILERS

"This is very exciting to me. The opportunity to be one of the players to help build the foundation of what will hopefully become a great franchise is amazing. This felt like the right move. The ownership wants to win and so does the coaching staff. I can't wait to get started." Reece stated at a press conference.

Reece has been in Oakland since 2008 and has become a fan favorite not only there but across the nation. Many expected him to be a Raider for life but questions about the team's direction and goals led him to explore free agency.

Reece should be a good option out of the backfield for whoever is taking the snaps in Houston. His speed and agility make him a tough matchup for linebackers to try to cover. Reece is also a solid ball carrier and blocker.

"We knew as soon as Marcel hit free agency we had to have him. He is a great player, a great leader and someone we are proud to call an Oiler." Mike Oxlong stated via Twitter after the signing.

Houston is expected to make several more signings before the free agency period ends.

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Staying Put

Houston, Texas - Former Houston Texan Earl Mitchell doesn't like moving. That is part of the reason he opted to sign with the Oilers and stay put in Houston.

EARL MITCHELL SIGNS WITH THE OILERS, STAYS IN HOUSTON

"Mexico doesn't suit me. I talked to some other teams but Houston is my home and the Oilers have a great set of goals so it was an easy choice to stay home." Mitchell said after inking the deal.

Mitchell was drafted by the Texans in 2010 with the 81st pick. He is expected to start next to Drake Nevis in the Oilers 4-3 base defense.

Houston signed FB Marcel Reece earlier this week and are expected to continue to bolster their roster leading up to the draft.

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"The Lumberjack" Comes to Town

Houston, Texas - Wesley Woodyard is the newest member of the Houston Oilers. Woodyard and the team came to terms on a deal late last night that will bring him in to help their defense. Woodyard could start at one of the outside spots or be the primary reserve for the Oilers.

WESLEY WOODYARD IS THE LATEST ADDITION TO THE OILERS

Woodyard has played his entire career in Denver after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. Salary cap issues led to his departure from Denver.

"I had a lot of offers but I knew Houston was the place for me. They're putting together a nice defense and I'm excited to be a part of it." Woodyard Tweeted yesterday.

Houston has now made three key signings and is expected to make more. Many are surprised they have not signed a quarterback yet, though they have had several in for workouts, including Josh Freeman and Michael Vick. Neither has signed elsewhere as of yet.

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The Real McCoy?

Houston, Texas - Tight End Anthony McCoy, formerly of the Seattle Seahawks, has officially joined the Houston Oilers. "I'm very excited about the opportunity the Oilers offered me to compete to be the number one guy. I'm ready." McCoy said.

ANTHONY MCCOY JOINS HOUSTON

McCoy was drafted by Seattle in 2010 and has played sparingly but well.

"We love his speed and hands. We're excited to have him in the fold." Head Coach Gus Bradley said via team officials.

Houston is likely not done in the free agent market.

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Another Day, Another Signing

Houston, Texas - Runningback Ben Tate has decided to stay in the Houston area, choosing to sign on with the Oilers instead of relocating to Mexico or elsewhere this offseason. Tate has spent all of his career in Houston as the backup to Arian Foster.

HOUSTON DOES IT AGAIN, SIGNING RB BEN TATE

"I wanted to go somewhere and be the guy. Somewhere I can grow as a player and showcase my talents. Houston offered that plus I get to stay home." Tate explained after the ink was dry.

Tate has low mileage, with just 351 career carries. He has 1,917 career yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. His best year statistically was 2011 when he ran for 942 yards and four scores.

"Ben is an exciting player, he is everything we wanted in a starting runningback. He should be a great fit." Mike Oxlong said afterwards.

"Just follow the big 45 man!" Marcel Reece Tweeted to Tate later in the day.

Reece and Tate should give the Oilers a solid backfield.