Entering 2026, the Houston Texans are looking for that breakout wide receiver to pair alongside two-time Pro Bowler Nico Collins for the future.
In a perfect world, a healthy Tank Dell would strap up his cleats and create open lanes for his counterpart in the slot while serving as a name to remember for C.J. Stroud. Right now, that’s simply an idea since Dell hasn’t practiced in over 18 months since suffering a season-ending leg injury back in 2024.
So, who’s next on the list? Second-year standout Jayden Higgins seems to be the ideal option and reports entering the seson seem to believe he’s poised for a career year in 2026.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently met with scouts and executives around the league to discuss the hype surrounding players who stood out during the early stages of offseason workouts. For the Texans, Higgins ‘ name was mentioned as a player who had an impressive showing during the spring and should take a jump forward as the new No. 2 in Nick Caley’s offense.
“It’s easy to forget that Higgins was essentially Houston’s first-round pick last year, taken 34th after the Texans traded out of Round 1 when the Giants came up to get Jaxson Dart,” Breer wrote. “Higgins certainly has looked that part in the spring. His frame is nearly identical to Nico Collins’s, and while Collins is the physically stronger player, Higgins is a smoother, looser athlete than the Texans’ incumbent No. 1—one staffer illustrated it as having a power forward (Collins) and small forward (Higgins) at the position. And having those two guys at around 6’4″ on the outside certainly stands to present defenses with a host of problems.”
After a slow start to the season, Higgins became a vital piece of the Texans’ offense. From Weeks 9 through 18, Higgins averaged over five targets per contest. He also caught five touchdown passes and saw his snap count go from 47% to 61%. Higgins, who finished with 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns, also averaged over 14 yards per catch.
“So many of the key guys—starting with Higgins and going to [Tay] Ersery, [Woody] Marks and another promising young receiver in Jaylin Noel—were rookies last year and should take a step,” Breer wrote. “That list could include well-regarded coordinator Nick Caley, too, given that he now has a year of play-calling under his belt. There’s cautious optimism on Tank Dell’s return. And Stroud had a really sound, clean spring, after being managed injury-wise through the 2025 offseason.”
To read all of Breer’s report, click here.
Higgins and the Texans return to the practice field for the start of training camp on July 21.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans WR Jayden Higgins viewed as a breakout star for 2026 season
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
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By Cole Thompson, Texans Wire | USA TODAY Network
