The Houston Texans have signed former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Canadian tight end, Antony Auclair, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Auclair dressed for eight games in 2020, making two starts. He was inactive for all four of Tampa Bay’s post-season victories over Washington, New Orleans, Green Bay, and Kansas City, but the six-foot-six, 256-pound TE will still receive a Super Bowl ring.
One of the key factors in Auclair reaching free agency was Tampa Bay’s re-signing of future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. The 31-year-old made 16 starts last season, recording 45 receptions for 623 yards and seven touchdowns. He was sensational in Super Bowl LV, catching two touchdown passes from Tom Brady in a 31-9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
The native of Notre-Dame-des-Pins, Que. drew scouts from 17 NFL teams to his pro day at Laval in 2017. Auclair signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent and remained with the team for four years, recording ten receptions for 84 yards in 40 games.
The 27-year-old earned $2,935,000 USD with the Bucs, including $1,250,000 on a one-year contract in 2020. He raved about playing with Brady, calling him the “greatest teammate of all-time.”
Auclair isn’t a game-breaker on offence, but he’s a strong blocker with the ability to contribute heavily on special teams.
