TEXANS SPEND BIG BUCKS, WEDNESDAY

The Houston Texans were the big spenders on the opening day of NFL free-agent signings.

Quarterback Brock Osweiler, the assumed heir apparent to Peyton Manning in Denver, has agreed to a four-year, $72-millon deal.  $37-million is guaranteed.

Osweiler, 25, started seven games in 2015 after replacing Manning, who was recovering from a tear in his left heel, but Manning reclaimed the quarterback job for the playoff run and Brocos’ Super Bowl win.

Houston started four different quarterbacks in winning their division last season with a 9-7 record, using Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and midseason pickups T.J. Yates and Brandon Weeden.

The Broncos were 5-2 in games Osweiler started. Two of Osweiler's wins were overtime victories against the New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals, which helped the Broncos earn home-field advantage in the playoffs

Osweiler will be joined by former Miami Dolphins running back Lamar Miller, who has agreed to a four-year, $26 million contract with the Texans.  Miller, 24, will receive $14 million guaranteed.

Miller rushed for 872 yards and scored 10 touchdowns last season.  Over the past two years Miller rushed for 1,971 yards and scored 19 total touchdowns.

Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Jeff Allen is expected to sign a four-year, $28 million deal with Houston.

Allen, 26, has started at left guard and right tackle during his four seasons with the Chiefs.