Just like that, the 2026 NFL season is underway. As for the Houston Texans, a wild and wacky agency frenzy is officially underway out at NRG Stadium.
While NFL free agency officially begins Wednesday, March 11 at 3 p.m. CT, the Texans have already been making plenty of moves in terms of trades and signings ahead of the start of the new league year. Moves like the extension for Tytus Howard and Ed Ingram, along with the trade for David Montgomery, won’t become official until Wednesday, but they’re locked up and can’t be changed.
With the negotiating window underway, fans should start to hear about potential signings, not just in Houston, but rather around the league. Right now, Texans Wire is monitoring all of the cuts, re-signings, trades, restructures and new signings from last week through free agency, including moves of former Texans landing elsewhere on the open market.
As of Sunday evening, the Texans are projected to have roughly $34.4 million in salary cap space, according to Over The Cap, which gives general manager Nick Caserio ample room to work with as he continues to free up cap space and build up the roster.
Check back throughout the day as Texans Wire keeps you up to date on all things surrounding free agency.
A new OL in Houston
According to NFL Network, the Texans have agreed to a deal with do-it-all offensive lineman Evan Brown, who was released by the Cardinals this week. It’s a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million, though none of the money is guaranteed.
Brown, 29, started 11 games last season for the Cardinals, primarily at center. He’s also played for the Giants, Dolphins, Browns, Lions and Seahawks throughout his career.
Since the start of the offseason, the Texans have been seeking interior offensive line reinforcements to go along with a combination of Ed Ingram, Aireontae Ersery, Jake Andrews and Braden Smith. Now, they’ve added an experienced lineman to the mix in Brown, who should fill the role of the recently departed Juice Scruggs and a combo guard/center option.
Welcome to Houston, Foster Moreau
The Texans have their next tight end and running mate with Dalton Schultz. According to reports, they’ve agreed to a contract with New Orleans Saints tight end Foster Moreau.
The 28-year-old played in 11 games last year after starting the season on the physically unable to perform list following a season-ending knee injury suffered in 2024. He caught seven passes for 59 yards last season and missed the final two games because of an ankle issue.
A former fourth-round pick out of LSU, Moreau has spent the last three seasons in New Orleans after signing with them as a free agent in 2023 following a four-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders. In 2023, he briefly stepped away from football after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the spring. Before the start of the regular season, Moreau announced that he was in full remission and was cleared to return to drills.
A blocker first with tight end No. 2 potential, Moreau has played in 104 career games and has caught 151 passes for 1,722 yards and 18 touchdowns. He should compete for second-team reps with veterans Brevin Jordan and Cade Stover.
Goodbye, Mario Edwards Jr.
Mario Edwards Jr. has played his last down at NRG Stadium.
According to the league’s transaction wire, the Texans have released Edwards one year into his two-year contract with a failed physical designation. The veteran defensive tackle had been dealing with a torn pec muscle that cost him half of the season on the injured reserve.
Edwards had played in every game for the Texans last season before the injury, recording 13 tackles, two sacks, two tackles for losses and four quarterback hits. He was a standout in the second half of the 2024 season for Houston, recording 31 tackles, three sacks, eight quarterback hits and three tackles for losses en route to a second division title.
The move was rumored to be on the table, though there was also a potential thought that Houston would trade the defensive tackle ahead of the new league year. Instead, the Texans will save $4.41 million in cap space for 2026 while now potentially going back in the market to target another defensive tackle.
Tommy Townsend stays in AFC South
Tommy Townsend will be leaving the Texans, but he’s sticking around in the AFC. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Townsend is signing a two-year deal worth up to $6 million. A former All-Pro with the Kansas City Chiefs, Townsend had an up-and-down 2025 season but finished with a 47.6-yard average on 72 punts.
A Houston Cougar comes back home
A former Houston Cougar is joining the Texans.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Texans are signing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Logan Hall to a two-year deal. He’s expected to compete for reps with the newly signed Dominique Robinson as a rotational option behind All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and five-time Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter.
A 2022 second-round pick, Hall spent the past four seasons on staff in Tampa Bay as a rotational option on the pass rush. In four seasons, he racked up 101 tackles, 10 sacks, 19 tackles for loss and four pass breakups. Hall was also credited with 39 starts, including 16 in 2025.
According to NFL Network, the deal is worth roughly $7 million annually. Back in Houston, the Texans hope the version of Hall that became a star for the Cougars can appear at NRG Stadium. Over his four seasons while playing in the American Athletic Conference, Hall totaled 20.5 tackles for loss, including 13.5 in his senior season, along with eight sacks.
Houston swaps picks, secures a punter
Tommy Townsend’s days in Houston are over. According to reports, the Texans have agreed to a trade that will swap sixth and seventh-round picks in 2028 with the New Orleans Saints in exchange for punter Kai Kroeger. Last season, the former South Carolina standout averaged 44.8 yards per net put and pinned 18 punts from within the 20.
Texans announce internal extensions
The Texans have made it clear who is back before the start of the 2026 season with their announcement on social media Tuesday afternoon.
Texans bolster trenches with former AFC South foe
According to reports, the Texans and Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Braden Smith have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth up to $25 million with $13.5 million guaranteed. Smith was one of the top names mentioned to be tied to Houston before the start of free agency.
What’s the role for the veteran lineman? Some could argue that Smith will replace veteran Tytus Howard as the new multi-purpose lineman, seeing potentially reps at both right tackle and left guard. Howard, who spent seven seasons with the Texans, was shipped off to the Cleveland Browns earlier this month in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
Smith started over 100 games at right tackle for the Colts during his eight seasons with the franchise, but initially was drafted to play guard after serving as a two-time All-SEC linemen at right guard at Auburn. After an injury in training camp, he took over full-time at right tackle, eventually earning a lucrative contract extension ahead of his final year on his rookie contract to become the league’s then-highest-paid right tackle.
Entering his age 30 season, Smith made a successful return to the NFL last season after missing the final five games of 2024 for the Colts in 2024 because of mental health challenges. Known for his powerful run blocking, Smith was part of an offensive line that helped running back All-Pro Jonathan Taylor total his fourth 1,000-yard season since joining the franchise in 2020.
Fairbarin gets paid big time
According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans have reached an agreement with the veteran kicker on a two-year, $13 million deal. The new contract will make him the league’s highest-paid player at his position, beginning in 2027, surpassing Buffalo Bills’ Tyler Bass and Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker.
The extension will not only pay him what he’s worth, but it will keep him in Houston for two additional years through 2028. The longest member of the franchise will become the longest-tenured kicker in franchise history after the new deal expires in three seasons.
Houston, which has spent the majority of free agency re-signing and extending players, needed to ensure Fairbairn was back for the long haul. Last season, he was Captain Clutch, leading all kickers with 44 made field goals last season. He would have likely broken the league record for most field goals attempted in a season if not for missing two games in early November.
Fairbairn’s 91.7% field goal percentage ranked seventh-best in the league among kickers. His 70.1% fieild goal percentage of kicks over 50 yards ranked sixth among active kickers. Two kicks were for over 60 yards, including a record-setting 61-yard field goal.
Fairbairn is the third player to be extended this offseason by Houston ahead of a contract year, joining tight end Dalton Schultz and defensive end Danielle Hunter.
Christian Harris heads out the door
Christian Harris has played his last down with the Texans. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, the Atlanta Falcons are signing former Alabama linebacker on a one-year deal.
Harris, a third-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, finished out the 2025 season with 11 tackles and one pass breakup. His best moment with the Texans came in the playoffs, when his pick-six against the Cleveland Browns secured Houston a wild-card round win. In four seasons with the Texans, Harris totaled 206 career tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, and one interception.
The Texans should feel content with his departure, as E.J. Speed inked a two-year deal worth $13 million
Texans snag a super star safety from Philly
A new safety has joined the Houston Texans’ secondary for 2026 and beyond.
According to reports, the Texans and former Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Reed Blankenship have agreed to terms on a three-year, $24.75 million contract. The deal includes $16.5 million guaranteed.
Blakenship, who was voted a team captain for the Eagles, played in 16 games last season, totaling 83 tackles, one interception and a forced fumble. Before that, he recorded seven interceptions between 2023-24, along with 18 pass deflections.
A former undrafted free agent from Middle Tennessee State, the 27-year-old was a key part of a championship defense in 2024 that finished first in passing yards allowed (174.2) and second in opponent points per game (17.8). Over the past three years, he has started at least 16 games while posting a coverage grade of at least 73.0, per Pro Football Focus.
In Houston, Blankeship should be the last piece to set the Texans’ defense over the top as potentially the No. 1 unit in the league. The Texans, with a rotating cast of safety options opposite Calen Bullock, ranked top-10 in every pass coverage category, including No. 1 in total yards allowed (277.2) and No. 2 in scoring (17.7).
With the Texans, Blankenship will join a secondary full of Pro Bowlers, including All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter and nickel defender Jalen Pitre.
Blankenship is the second outside free agent signing to join the Texans alongside Chicago Bears defensive end Domonique Robinson.
See You Later, Tim Settle
Tim Settle has played his last down at NRG Stadium. According to NFL Network, Settle is returning to the Washington Commanders on a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $25.5 million. According to Mike Garafolo, even after suffering a foot injury that ended his season late in the year, Settle had interest from multiple teams that were willing to up his pay.
Houston was interested in retaining the defensive tackle, but the asking price was far too high. Two years ago, he inked a deal that gave him $3 million in annual salary. Now, he’ll make roughly $8 million annually to return to the defense under former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
In 2025, Settle started 12 games for Houston’s No. 1 total defense, recording 15 total tackles with three tackles for loss, one sack, and three passes defensed. His season was cut short, but his presence was felt, espcially early in the year while Houston relied on its defense to bail its lackluster offense out of trouble.
For his career, Settle has appeared in 130 games, totaling 29 starts. He’s tallied 30 tackles for loss, 27 QB hits, and 15 sacks.
Two defensive backs to Titans
No team has been more aggressive in fixing their team by spending big than Tennessee, which agreed to deals with cornerbacks Cor’Dale Flott and Alontae Taylor. Flott, who reunites with former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll, received a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $32 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network.
Taylor, a three-year starter for the Saints’ secondary as both an outside corner and a nickel defender, inked a three-year deal worth $60 million. He started 53 of 64 games and has four career interceptions.
Another stud headed to the Music City
Former Denver Broncos defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers is joining forces with new head coach Robert Saleh on a three-year, $63 million contract, $42 million of which is guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A standout for the Broncos’ trenches, Franklin-Myers had 7.5 sacks last season and 7 in 2024 to help the Broncos set franchise records for sacks in each of the last two seasons. He also ranked fourth on the team with 15 quarterback hits and was top 10 nationally in pressures among defensive tackles with 47.
A new WR1 in Nashville
New Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is getting a legit slot receiver threat to help Cam Ward improve in Year 2. According to reports, the Titans and former New York Giants wide receiver Wan’Dale Robinson have agreed to terms on a four-year, $78 million deal that includes $38 million guaranteed. As the new go-to weapon in Nashville, Robinson hopes to make sure last season wasn’t a fluke. As the No. 1 weapon for rookie Jaxson Dart, Robinson finished with 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdown receptions.
Another offensive lineman off the board
Left guard was a position the Texans were expected to target in free agency, but one of the top names won’t be signing in Houston once the new league year starts. According to reports, the New Orleans Saints are signing former Buffalo Bills offensive lineman David Edwards to a four-year, $61 million deal. The Saints also were looking to upgrade the left guard spot after dealing with short-term investments, but now solidify the offensive line with a two young tackles, Ceaser Ruiz and Erik McCoy to protect rookie star Tyler Shough in 2026.
Travis Etienne leaves the AFC South
The former Jacksonville Jaguars starter is out of Duval County and headed home. According to reports, Etienne has agreed to terms on a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. The former first-round pick rushed for 1,107 yards and seven touchdowns with the Jaguars last season and caught 36 passes for 292 yards and six touchdowns, helping first-year coach Liam Coen lead his team to a 13-win campaign and AFC South division title.
Detroit lands OL Cade Mays
The Texans were expected to target offensive lineman Cade Mays in free agency following the departure of Tytus Howard. Instead, the former Carolina Panthers center is headed to the Motor City to join forces with Dan Campbell. According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, Mays has agreed to terms on a three-year, $25 million deal, with $14 million set in fully guaranteed money.
The Texans still are expected to target at least two more offensive linemen in free agency.
Kansas City gets Houston’s top RB option
Houston was reportedly interested in going after Kenneth Walker III from the Seattle Seahawks once he planned on testing free agency, but instead will watch him join forces with Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs and the Super Bowl MVP agreed to terms on a three-year deal with a $43.05 million base value and $28.7 million fully guaranteed, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Texans recently traded for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery in exchange for offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and two draft picks.
Michael Pittman Jr. off to Pittsburgh
With Alec Pierce back on a four-year contract, the Colts are freeing up over $24 million in cap space by trading Pittman to Pittsburgh. The deal is expected to include a pair of Day 3 swapped selections. Pittman, who had 80 catches for 784 yards and seven touchdowns last season, should give the Steelers another big-bodied wide receiver to pair with DK Metcalf for the long haul.
Alec Pierce back in the AFC South
It turns out that Pierce was never leaving the Indianapolis Colts after all. According to the team’s X account, Pierce is sticking around on a four-year, $116 million extension. The No. 1 wideout for the AFC South franchise, fresh off his first 1,000-yard season, is back at Lucas Oil Stadium with Daniel Jones.
Sheldon Rankins returns to Houston on two-year deal
Sheldon Rankins was expected to return to the Texans, but now the deal is official. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Texans and Rankins have agreed to a two-year contract that includes $12 million guaranteed. Over the past two years with Houston, Rankins has been one of the more complete defensive players, totaling 35 tackles, three sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown during the regular season last fall.
Texans keep OL Ed Ingram on three-year extension
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans and Ingram agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, keeping him in Houston through 2028. At just over $12.5 million in annual salary, Caserio continues to live up to his word of rebuilding the offensive line with proven experience at a hearty rate, rather than spending cheaply.
After struggling for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Ingram found his footing under Cole Popovich in Houston’s trenches. While far from a finished product, the former LSU star at least looked much closer to the player worthy of a Day 2 selection with a starting-caliber update.
In 16 games, Ingram served as the Texans’ best run blocker, showing the ability to open holes for a lackluster run game. And while he struggled in pass-pro at times, he wasn’t as consistently underwhelming as during his time in Minnesota.
DL Naquan Jones heads back to Houston on a one-year deal
According to his agent, Mike McCarthy, the Texans re-signed Naquon Jones on a one-year, $2 million deal. He was one of their four pending free agent defensive tackles and came on strong to close out last season with Tim Settle and Mario Edwards Jr. on the season-ending injured reserve.
All Texans moves before free agency begins
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Houston Texans 2026 free agency tracker: Rumors and signings
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
