Brett Rypien, the son of former Redskins QB Mark Rypien, is now officially in the mix for the Texans’ third-string quarterback spot, and if you’re expecting some kind of legendary performance, you need to pump the brakes right now. We’re talking about a third-string guy here, not some future Hall of Famer walking through the door. It’s all about managing expectations, and honestly, the numbers just dropped that show exactly what the Texans are working with.
Breaking Down the Numbers Game: Rypien vs. Mills
When you stack Rypien up against Davis Mills, the current backup, on a per-game basis adjusted for around 30 attempts, things get real interesting. Mills puts up 18.5 completions on 29.9 attempts, a 61.8% completion rate, with 191.4 yards, a 1.1 touchdown to 0.7 interception ratio, and a solid 82.5 rating. Rypien, on the other hand, comes in with 19.6 completions on 33.6 attempts, a 58.3% completion rate, 190.0 yards, but a way worse 0.8 touchdown to 1.8 interception ratio, for a 59.9 rating. You see that jump in the interception column? That’s what’s messing with his overall rating, big time. The source points out these guys are “fairly similar,” but Mills clearly takes way better care of the football and is more prolific with his TDs. So, if you were wondering if Rypien was going to push Mills for the backup job, these numbers scream “no way.” Mills is the guy, and Rypien is not changing that pecking order.
The Mertz Factor and the Third-String Question
Now, let’s talk about the real competition for that QB3 spot: Graham Mertz. The big issue with Mertz? He’s never played a down in an actual game, which makes direct comparison tough. But we do have his preseason stats: in 2025, he was 23 of 32 for 71.9%, 174 yards, with one TD and three picks. In 2026 preseason, he went 4 of 7 for 57.1% and 23 yards, zero TDs or picks. Totaling it up, Mertz is 27 of 39, 69.1% for 197 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs. Sure, these are preseason numbers, against “vanilla defenses” and often second or third-string talent. But they’re “not radically different” than what Mills and Rypien put up per game. The big kicker with Mertz? He’s got a higher ceiling, but he’s also coming back from his second torn ACL. Talk about a double-edged sword! The Texans essentially replaced one third-stringer with another comparable one, plain and simple.
What does this all mean for the Texans’ third quarterback slot? Are they looking for a steady hand, someone who can back up the backup with minimal fuss? Or are they chasing a developmental guy like Mertz, hoping he converts raw skills into something big down the road, even with the injury risk? Or maybe they want an athletic QB for some gadget plays? It’s a philosophical choice, and right now, the Texans look like they’re leaning towards a steady, comparable presence with Rypien, especially with Mertz’s recovery ongoing. It’s a low-stakes decision for the top of the depth chart, but it tells you everything about what they value in that crucial “just in case” role.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Battle Red Blog.
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