Who Should the Texans Target in Free Agency?
As the Houston Texans look to improve in the 2025 season, free agency offers a crucial opportunity to fill key gaps on the roster. With their recent playoff appearance in mind, the Texans need to focus on bolstering the offensive line, wide receiver depth, and secondary. With a mix of youth and veterans already on the roster, the team is primed for some strategic additions that could help them make a deeper postseason run in the near future. Here are some free agent targets the Texans should consider this offseason.
Offensive Line: Strengthening the Front
A complete overhaul of the offensive line will be essential for the Texans, especially given the importance of protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud and providing better run-blocking for Joe Mixon. While retaining key players like Shaq Mason will be important, they should also look to add proven talent through free agency. Ronnie Stanley, the long-time standout tackle from the Baltimore Ravens, is a possible fit if the Texans decide to move on from Tytus Howard. If they do, Stanley could provide a short-term solution, but it would stabilize the offensive line.
In addition to Stanley, another solid option for the interior offensive line is Drew Dalman of the Atlanta Falcons. Dalman could provide some much-needed depth at the center position, allowing the Texans to improve both in pass protection and the running game. Adding players like these would help establish a more solid foundation for an offense that has struggled in certain areas, allowing Stroud and Mixon to thrive.
Wide Receiver Depth: Filling the Gap
With Tank Dell’s injury status uncertain and Stefon Diggs not fully expected to be healthy in time for the start of the 2025 season, the Texans may want to look for a cheaper third option in free agency. A player like Darius Slayton of the New York Giants would make a strong addition to the receiving corps. Slayton has the speed and agility to stretch the field, making him a perfect complement to Nico Collins, who has solidified himself as the true number-one wide receiver for Houston.
If the Texans are looking for even more depth, Dyami Brown of the Washington Commanders could be a viable option. Brown is a speedy receiver who can fill in as a role player, offering an element of explosiveness and versatility to the Texans’ offense. Especially, after his impressive post-season campaign. With the right additions, Houston can further strengthen its receiving core and give Stroud more options to work with in the passing game.
Interior Defensive Line: Bolstering the Pass Rush
While Houston’s defense has been a key strength, particularly with the strong presence of Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter, the team could further bolster its interior defensive line to generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Keeping Folorunso Fatukasi would be ideal, but targeting players like B.J. Hill of the Cincinnati Bengals or Milton Williams of the Philadelphia Eagles would significantly upgrade the defensive front. Both players offer a combination of strength, quickness, and disruption in the middle of the defense.
Adding a player like Hill or Williams would give the Texans an even more formidable defensive line, helping to elevate the overall performance of their defense. The increased pressure up the middle will not only affect opposing quarterbacks but also free up the edge rushers to make more plays, further strengthening the team’s pass rush.
Safety Depth: Shoring Up the Secondary
With the uncertainty surrounding the return of Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward’s age catching up with him, the Texans should target safeties in free agency to solidify the back end of their defense. One player to consider is Tre’von Moehrig of the Las Vegas Raiders. Moehrig would thrive in Demeco Ryan's defensive scheme, using his versatility to play both as a centerfielder and closer to the line of scrimmage. He would be a perfect fit alongside Pitre and create a stronger secondary capable of shutting down big plays.
Another option to consider is Xavier Woods of the Carolina Panthers. Woods is a proven safety who brings both leadership and stability to the defensive backfield. Adding someone like him would ensure the Texans have a strong safety tandem, even if Pitre’s recovery from injury causes any delays in his return. With a deep safety class in free agency, the Texans have plenty of options to explore as they aim to make a defensive push next season.
As the Texans head into the offseason, their approach to free agency will play a significant role in shaping the team for the 2025 season. By targeting key positions such as the offensive line, wide receiver depth, and safety, they can enhance their roster and build a stronger foundation for the future. With the right acquisitions, Houston has the potential to contend for championships in the near future, and this offseason will be an important step in reaching that goal.
