Off-Season Primer - Houston Texans

2023 Record- (10-7)

In 2023, the Houston Texans entered the season with low expectations after finishing 2022 at just 3-13-1. They started the season 0-2, but once Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud found his stride, the Texans went on a 10-5 run, capturing their first AFC South title since 2019. The Texans were the first team to win a divisional title with both a rookie quarterback and a rookie coach in NFL history. 

Head coach DeMeco Ryans and the Texans came out in the wild card round and destroyed the favored Cleveland Browns 45-14. However, Houston’s season came to an end in round two with a loss to Baltimore 34-10.

C.J. Stroud, the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 draft had one of the best rookie seasons for a quarterback in NFL history. In 15 games, Stroud threw for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns, while adding 3 more rushing touchdowns and became the leader in the huddle for the team.

Rookie head coach DeMeco Ryans finished 2nd in the Coach of the Year voting, losing by a tie-breaker to Cleveland Browns Kevin Stefanski. In just one season, the Texans' style of play and demeanor changed. They were a young squad who made big plays on offense and defense when needed. Ryans and Stroud have the makings of that next great head coach/quarterback combo that should be around for many years to come. 

Draft Picks

Round 1 - (23)

Round 2- (59)

Round 3- (86)

Round 4- (123)

Round 4- (127)

Round 7- (235)

Round 7- (244)

Round 7- (246)

Free Agents

Projected Cap Space - Approximately $75MM

TE- Dalton Schultz

Edge- Jonathan Greenard

RB- Devin Singletary

CB- Steven Nelson

DT- Sheldon Rankins

RB- Dare Ogunbowale

WR- Noah Brown

WR- Steven Sims

TE- Eric Saubert

T- Charlie Heck

T- Josh Jones

OL- Michael Deiter

C- Scott Quessenberry

Edge- Jerry Hughes

Edge- Derek Barnett

DT- Khalil Davis

DT- Hassan Ridgeway

DT- Teair Tart

LB- Blake Cashman

LB- Neville Hewitt

LB- Denzel Perryman

CB- Kris Boyd

CB- Desmond King

CB- D’Angelo Ross

CB- Tavierre Thomas

S- Adrian Amos

S- Grayland Arnold

S- DeAndre Houston-Carson

S- Kareem Jackson

S- Eric Murray

K- Ka’imi Fairbairn

P- Cameron Johnston

The good news for the Houston Texans is that they have the 3rd most money to spend under the salary cap. However, the bad news is that they have over 30 free agents and will need to put the puzzle pieces back together for another run at the playoffs.

Edge rusher Jonathan Greenard should be a priority for the Texans on defense. He came into his own in 2023 and finished with 12.5 sacks in 15 games. He consistently put pressure on opposing signal callers and he’s just maturing into his best years at only 26 years of age.

Tight End Dalton Schultz is another free agent who is vital to the Texans club. Schultz is a trustworthy target for Stroud and is a dependable safety outlet as their young wide receivers continue to grow. If Schultz leaves, the Texans need to find a replacement in a sparse draft for the position or will dip back into free agency to shore up the position.

Biggest Needs 

CB

RB

DT

S

DE

TE

The Texans are set to lose their starting veteran cornerback Steven Nelson and are going to lose several depth pieces making corner a key position of need. The Texans may try to sign a quality veteran and also wade into the draft and select one with one of their choices in round two and beyond. 

With running back Devin Singletary hitting the open market, the team is left with Dameon Pierce and very little after that. The Texans should be in the market for a pass catching running back who they can incorporate in this exciting young offense. 

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins is set to leave and the Texans do not have many other options at the defensive tackle position. With just Maliek Collins and Kurt Hinish left at the spot, look for them to either sign a veteran starter or draft one early on.