Texans' 2024 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss
The Houston Texans had one of the NFL's most unexpected rises in 2023. A team that won only three games a year ago finished with 10 victories, a division title and the franchise's first playoff berth since 2019.
A blowout win in the wild-card round even established Houston as a legitimate threat in the AFC.
The turnaround was a testament to the coaching of DeMeco Ryans and the stellar rookie season of quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston appears poised to be an AFC South contender for the foreseeable future and possibly a title contender as early as next season.
Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have a strong foundation with which to work. However, reloading and improving the roster won't happen without effort.
Now that Houston's playoff run has come to an end with a 34-10 divisional round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, let's dive into what lies ahead for the Texans in free agency and the draft.
Free Agents
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Unrestricted Free Agents
S Adrian Amos
DE Derek Barnett
WR Noah Brown
CB Kris Boyd
K Ka'imi Fairbairn
OT George Fant
DT Jonathan Greenard
OT Charlie Heck
LB Neville Hewitt
DE Jerry Hughes
S Kareem Jackson
OT Josh Jones
S Eric Murray
CB Steven Nelson
RB Dare Ogunbowale
LB Denzel Perryman
OL Scott Quessenberry
DT Sheldon Rankins
DT Haasan Ridgeway
TE Dalton Schultz
RB Devin Singletary
DT Teair Tart
CB Tavierre Thomas
LS Jon Weeks
Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
CB D'Angelo Ross
OL DJ Scaife
Houston had a brilliant plan for turning around the franchise's fortunes in a hurry. Caserio and Ryans focused on adding proven veteran talent in bulk, using short-term contracts to do it. While this quickly improved the roster, it potentially leaves Houston with a lot of moving pieces in 2024.
A number of key contributors—including running back Devin Singletary, right tackle Charlie Heck, receiver Noah Brown, kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn, defensive tackle Jonathan Greenard, linebacker Denzel Perryman, tight end Dalton Schultz and cornerback Steven Nelson—are slated to hit the open market in March.
The good news is that Houston is projected to have $74.1 million in cap space, meaning the team can likely keep the majority of its incumbent players.
Given the importance of maintaining offensive continuity around Stroud, players like Brown, Schultz and Singletary—who emerged as a quality starter down the stretch—could top the priority list.
Houston's favorable cap situation—not to mention having a franchise quarterback on a rookie deal—should allow the team to keep its core intact while adding new centerpieces through free agency and the draft.
Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets
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While the Texans wasted little time in their return to relevance, they're still in the early stages of a rebuild. This means that Caserio is likely to prioritize younger free agents who can become long-term contributors alongside Stroud, Tank Dell, Will Anderson Jr. and the rest of the team's budding stars.
An ascending cornerback like Jaylon Johnson or L'Jarius Sneed should be near the top of Houston's wish list. While the Texans' defense took major strides under Ryans this year, it still finished ranked just 27th in net yards per pass attempt allowed.
Young pass-rushers like Josh Uche and A.J. Epenesa should also be on Houston's radar. Anderson is a tremendous talent, but the defense could use long-term edge players to complement him.
Detroit Lions exclusive rights free agent James Houston—who was injured this season but logged eight sacks in 2022—is a particularly intriguing option.
It would behoove the Texans to add a premier offensive lineman, though the list of impending free agents is relatively underwhelming. A guard like Connor Williams or a right tackle like Jonah Williams could make sense, but Caserio may not be willing to overpay with the draft looming.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Texans further bolster their receiving corps, and there are some exciting options at the position. Receivers like Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Josh Reynolds and Michael Pittman Jr. could all be terrific complements to a group that already features Dell and Nico Collins.
If the Texans don't retain Schultz, tight ends like Hunter Henry and Harrison Bryant will likely garner consideration.
Houston has the cap and draft capital needed to be a major player on the trade market too. Expect players on expiring contracts or potential cap casualties to heavily interest the Texans in the early spring.
Players like Jerry Jeudy, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack, Carlton Davis and Charvarius Ward will be worth watching if they become available.
Draft Targets
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While the Texans may look to add a rookie receiver to partner with Collins and Dell, they may bypass the position in the first round. The 2024 class is expected to be deep at the position, and quality receivers should be available on Day 2.
The Bleacher Report Scouting Department ranked 15 wide receivers inside its top 100 players on its latest draft board. A prospect like Georgia's Ladd McConkey or Texas' Adonai Mitchell would be a tremendous Day 2 target.
On opening night, the Texans should be more interested in a premier offensive lineman or a top-tier defensive player. A cornerback like Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry or a pass-rusher like Washington's Bralen Trice would make plenty of sense for Houston.
While the first round is viewed as high for an off-ball linebacker, a prospect like Clemson's Jeremiah Trotter Jr. could also make an immediate impact on the defense.
"He's pretty athletic and anticipates throws well by reading the quarterback's eyes, making him a good middle hook defender in zone coverage," Matt Holder of the B/R Scouting Department wrote of Trotter. "His athletic ability also helps him win as a pass-rusher, as he's been highly productive in that regard for an off-ball linebacker."
The Texans should continue targeting defensive depth later in the draft, with prospects like Kentucky corner Maxwell Hairston, Penn State linebacker Curtis Jacobs, Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner and Texas safety Jerrin Thompson all serving as viable Day 3 targets.
Running backs like Audric Estimé of Notre Dame and Kentucky's Ray Davis should also interest the Texans if Singletary departs.
Houston traded its first-round pick as part of the package to move up for Anderson in 2023. However, it still possesses the Cleveland Browns' top selection and seven total picks. Caserio should be able to target both high-end talent and a good volume of depth in April.
If last year's draft is an accurate indicator, we can probably expect the Texans to do their fair share of maneuvering throughout draft weekend.
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