I like Housler as a backup to Cameron but not in 2 TE sets. I'd check the progress of Lynch before committing much to Housler though.
Arizona plays an old school offense that didn't suit Housler. Lazor loves big TE's, and does great things with 2 TE sets. But, most of that stems from TE's who have versatility to catch, run block and pass protect. That makes us unpredictable because of the TE versatility.
Cameron doesn't have that versatility, so in a 2 TE set we need the other TE to have that versatility. I don't think Housler does. So, for me, he is a sub for Cameron.
On the other hand, Lynch does have that versatility. If he is healthy and had progresses, he might be our guy for those sets.
With the Clay situation looking like he's going to end up in Buffalo, I think we should take a look at Rob Housler. Great recieving TE, average blocker with excellent size as well at 6'5" 250lbs. Also has great speed at 4.55 40. Having him, Sims, and Cameron on the Red Zone would be awesome. His skill set is very similar to Cameron's he just wasn't used properly in Arizona. Not to mention Jordan Cameron's concussion issues I think we need to double down on the position.
http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/6621/rob-housler
http://www.nfl.com/combine/profiles/robert-housler?id=2495292
Before 2013 Julius Thomas had 1 reception for 5 yards in 9 games over 2 years for the Broncos. Sometimes guys just need a chance to play and need an opportunity to be used correctly.
Obviously Housler got plenty of playing time and he had some very good #'s last year averaging 14.3 YPC but TE's haven't been used much in the red zone by the Cardinals over the years. They only had 1 TD reception for a TE last year and that went to the starter Carlson. In 2013 Housler caught 1 of 3 by TEs. In 2012 they had 0 from TEs.
In his career he's caught 63% of all his targets for 11 YPC. By contrast our new freak athletic TE that we're all excited about has only caught 59% of his targets for 12 YPC.
Point is that the guys is clearly athletic, still young, and would come far, far cheaper than Clay plus we really need some insurance for Jordan Cameron and he seems like the perfect guy to play behind him.