Free agency is finally here and the Houston Texans are ready to strike.
The new league year begins on Wednesday, meaning on Monday, the Texans can begin to negotiate deals with any free agent, including those still talking with their current teams in what’s known as the legal tampering period. On Wednesday, all movesm inlcuding the trade of offensive tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns and the trade for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, will become binding.
After a 12-win season, the Texans still have several needs. Some are expected to be addressed in the draft, but the biggest needs, including interior offensive line, defensive tackle and tight end, might need to be the top targeted moves in free agency.
Knowing general manager Nick Caserio, there will be a slew of moves made this offseason away from just the free agency market. Some moves will include internal extensions to better the roster beyond 2026. That’s already been underway as tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker E.J. Speed, defensive back M.J. Stewart and All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter inked new contracts through at least next season, if not 2027.
Expect Houston to make mostly one or two-year contracts with players on the market, while Caserio probably ships out a late-round pick for a proven player looking for a fresh start.
Texans Wire will try to do the impossible and guess the mind of Caserio entering free agency. This includes not only what he’ll do in terms of free agency, but also how he’ll attack the NFL draft later on in April after fixing the team with proven talent.
If we’re right, come back and say this is the greatest prediction of all time. If we’re wrong, well don’t shoot the messenger.
Let’s make some bold predictions, shall we?
Deals Already Done
Here’s every move made by Caserio up to this point in the offseason.
Internal extension predictions
The Texans have planned on giving their captain a new deal after his dominant second season at NRG Stadium. A similar contract to that of Schultz seems like an easy move for Caserio to make, thus freeing up at least $4 million in cap space entering free agency. That money could be used to ensure another defensive player sticks around long-term.
Caserio could simply tear up Montgomery’s old contract with Detroit since there’s no guaranteed money left on the deal, but instead, he’ll shift $3 million out of the next two years to tack a third year onto the deal through 2028. Montgomery might be 29, but given his lack of usage, the Texans are getting a runner with little wear on the tires.
Anderson is the best young defensive player in the game. This is an easy call for Caserio.
Even if Stroud struggled to live up to his 2023 success, the Texans have a top-half quarterback on a rookie contract. They need to cash in on it while he’s affordable. This offseason is built around making sure the former Offensive Rookie of the Year has zero excuses to be successful in 2026, but he’ll have another year to prove he’s the right guy long-term.
DE Will Anderson Jr. agrees to a four-year, $200 million extension with the Texans through 2031
Anderson has the chance to become the next J.J. Watt. He’s the most important part of the team’s future and plans to be the anchor on the defensive line so long as DeMeco Ryans is in charge. This new deal should make the No. 3 overall pick the highest-paid defensive player in terms of annual salary ($50 million), thus surpassing Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons. No one in Houston should be upset about the deal since the Texans know their defense is the backbone of the franchise.
Internal re-signings
Rankins is the ideal fit for Houston’s defensive line under Ryans. In his two seasons with the franchise, he’s racked up nine sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 19 QB hits. The last time he left, it led to his release with the Bengals. Why ruin a good thing for more money? It’s the right move for both sides.
Everything said about Rankins could be dittoed for Barnett. He’s a perfect No. 3 pass rusher who fills in well behind Hunter and Anderson. If it works, why change up a system that made Houston the No. 1 defense last season?
Again, why ruin a good thing? In two seasons with Houston, Settle racked up 46 tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He started 12 games before a season-ending foot injury sidelined him for the playoffs. He’ll test the market, but the pricing will eventually lead him back to the defense he thrived in before an injury cost him a hefty payday in 2026.
External Free agent signings
It’s the one name linked to Houston throughout the entire offseason in the trenches following his announcement last month. The two years will be front-heavy, thus giving the Texans a chance to release Teller should he struggle as the starting left guard and immediate replacement for Howard. But when at his peak, the 31-year-old still is a stable linemen with high potential in pass protection, so it’s a welcome bonus for Cole Popovich’s trenches.
This is the type of high-risk, high-reward mentality Caserio loves to play with each offseason on having a former standout find his rhythm. Vera-Tucker is one of the league’s most versatile and physical linemen, especially in run blocking, when healthy. The only problem? He’s missed over 40 games in five years due to three season-ending injuries.
This move could easily backfire or hit, but the Texans have to be willing to try anything. Vera-Tucker might also be willing to bet on himself, using the 2026 season as a chance to up his value and cash in next spring ona lucrative deal like former Texans lineman Ed Ingram. The move also doesn’t stop Houston from drafting a guard within the first four picks, thus adding more depth to the line.
The Texans added former Giants assistant offensive line coach James Ferentz to the staff as the new tight ends coach, so his previous relationship with Van Roten makes this interesting. Over stops with New York, Buffalo and Las Vegas, the 36-year-old has started all 17 games for each of the past three years and played both left and right guard. This is the Juice Scruggs replacement on a veteran minimum deal.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander pointed this name out and it makes total sense. How many times did Houston have Blake Fisher like up as basically a blocking tight end to shore up the run blocking? What does Manhertz do? Who is the Texans’ new tight ends coach? Add it all up and he’s Houston’s new big-time blocker.
Re-signing Stewart only signals his value on special teams. He’ll compete for a starting job, but Cross could be a nice find after a promising campaign with the Colts. He’s improved in coverage over the past two years while being an exceptional run defender and open-field tackler. With Pitre in the slot and Calen Bullock deep in coverage, Cross still has the skills to make Houston the most complete secondary in football.
Christian Harris is testing free agency while Houston needs another option behind Speed. A former New England Patriots player coming to Houston? Stop if you’ve heard that before.
Houston needs a punter with Tommy Townsend likely leaving in free agency. Mann, who played his college ball at Texas A&M, is coming off a season where he averaged 49.9 yards per play. He’ll be a cheaper option and a welcome addition back to the Lone Star State.
This is the Myles Bryant move of 2026. He might not make the active roster, but he’ll push for a spot on the team.
Raymond has special teams value and could fight for the WR No. 6 role. Meet the next Braxton Berrios of 2026.
Another veteran looking for a home, Igbinoghene should at least compete for a role on special teams while trying to prove there’s still a sense of the first-round talent within sight.
Another special teams option who could be looking to make an active roster before the start of next season.
The Texans always seem to target one or two names looking to stay in the league on the defensive line. Here’s another option with Bell, who should be a nice camp body fighting for reps.
He already knows the offense and was a favorite of Stroud during their two seasons together. The best case? Metchie finally hits his stride and makes at least the practice squad. He’ll be cheap and a solid locker room addition back.
It’s another camp body who should push names like British Brooks and Jawhar Jordan in camp. Demacardo has started, so maybe he could be the next Dare Ogunbowale for the Texans’ special teams and offense.
One trade option
Given that Houston is re-signing Rankins and Settle in this exercise, there’s no need for Edwards, who missed half the season with an injury, to stick around. Minnesota’s release of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave has them in need of defensive line depth. With the trade, Houston can free up another $4.4 mllion in cap space. The Texans would also get back the draft compensation lost in the Montgomery deal.
2026 NFL Draft Class
Using the Pro Football Focus draft simulator, here’s what the Texans do when on the clock.
TRADE: Texans trade pick No. 28 to the Arizona Cardinals for second-round pick (No. 34), fourth-round pick (No. 104) and fifth-round pick (No. 141)
Round 2, Pick No. 34 – Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
The redshirt senior started 31 games over his three seasons with the Sun Devils, including all 14 of their College Football Playoff run in 2024. He’s a proven name that could immediately compete with Trent Brown for reps at right tackle. He’s ready as a run blocker, but his pass protection could use some work.
Round 2, Pick No. 38 – Clemson DL Peter Woods
With defensive tackle being a long-term need, Woods falling this late is a blessing in disguise for the Texans. At his peak, Woods has the skills to be a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle that thrives in run support. He’ll be a welcome addition to the Texans’ front seven and eventual replacement for Rankins in the starting lineup.
Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis
With Teller and Vera-Tucker signed to deals, the Texans could technically redshirt Bisontis while he gets acclimated to NFL speed. Last season, the 6-foot-3 left guard was exceptional as a pass protector, anchoring an offensive line that carried Mike Elko’s squad to an 11-1 regular season finish in College Station. He’s a different breed than Kenyon Green, so the “Battered Aggie Syndrome” persona won’t carry its way over to NRG Stadium for the future.
Round 3 Pick No. 67 – USC DB Kamari Ramsey
The last time Houston targeted a USC safety, it landed the ball-hawking Calen Bullock. This time, it lands a hard-hitting option in Ramsey, who rarely misses tackles and plays the run exceptionally well. He should pair well with Bullock and Jaylin Smith as Caserio goes back to the West Coast well for a third straight offseason.
TRADE: Texans trade picks No. 104, No. 139, No. 141 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for pick No. 85
Round 3 Pick No. 85- Auburn OL Connor Lew
The Texans must add a center option this offseason, but after not spending big on Cade Mays or Ethan Pocic, Lew is the next best option. It’s a win-win all around since Jake Andrews could start the season at center while Lew recovers from his torn ACL. By midseason, he should be cleared to play and might end up being the biggest steal of the draft.
Round 4, Pick No. 106 – Stanford TE Sam Roush
A multi-functional player who brings in-line ability to go with the multitude of ways to impress as a blocker, Roush is the type of tight end that Houston envisioned Cade Stover to be. The 6-foot-6 Cardinal was exceptional in pass protection and consistently worked his hands to find proper leverage. He’s a find after the first 100 picks.
TRADE: The Texans trade picks 161 and 243 to the New York Giants for pick No. 143
Round 5, Pick No. 143 – Nebraksa RB Emmet Johnson
Another option to compete for reps long-term, Johnson was a home run threat in Lincoln. He should add value to the Texans’ ground game and is a find this late in the draft.
Round 5 Pick No. 165 – Indiana LB Aiden Fisher
The anchor of the Hooisers’ defense, Fisher should compete with Jamal Hill and Jake Hasen for a role on special teams.
Round 6, Pick No. 195 – Indiana OL Pat Coogan
The former Notre Dame and Indiana lineman can play multiple positions and add great value to the trenches. He’s a nice find this late in the draft to serve as depth with potential starting upside in the future.
Round 7, Pick No. 244 – Illinois DL James Thompson Jr.
This late in the draft, always get defensive line depth.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans 2026 offseason predictions for free agency, trades & NFL draft
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
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