Texans' 2026 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

The Houston Texans failed to win the AFC South for the third straight time in 2025. They also dealt with some early-season offensive struggles as they adapted to Nick Caley. By the end of the regular season, though, Houston was playing like one of the best teams in the entire league.

Led by a championship-caliber defense, the Texans rattled off nine consecutive victories to end the regular season. The offense showed growth during that stretch, too, as C.J. Stroud got healthy and found a rapport with young difference-makers like Jayden Higgins and Woody Marks.

After starting the season 0-3, Houston gave itself a chance to win the division in Week 18, though the Jacksonville Jaguars held on to the top spot. The Texans were clearly formidable but were forced to open the playoffs on the road.

Now that Houston's postseason run has ended, head coach DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio have an offseason to navigate. Free agency will officially kick off on March 11, and the draft is set to begin on April 23. The Texans will need to win both events to ensure they improve their roster and get off to a quicker start in 2026.

Free Agents

AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith

Texans edge Derek Barnett

Unrestricted Free Agents

Edge Denico Autry

Edge Derek Barnett

WR Braxton Berrios

OT Trent Brown

RB Nick Chubb

LB Damone Clark

DL Foley Fatukasi

LB Christian Harris

DT Kurt Hinish

G Ed Ingram

DT Naquan Jones

WR Christian Kirk

RB Dare Ogunbowale

DL Sheldon Rankins

DL Tim Settle Jr.

LB E.J. Speed

S M.J. Stewart

P Tommy Townsend

Edge Darrell Taylor

S K'Von Wallace

S Jimmie Ward

Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

CB Ja'Marcus Ingram

Since Ryans took over in 2023, the Texans have continually supplemented their roster with free agents. The plan has worked, but it leaves them with many key contracts to address this offseason.

The list of significant contributors scheduled to reach free agency includes offensive tackle Trent Brown, guard Ed Ingram, linebacker E.J. Speed, defensive lineman Denico Autry, defensive lineman Tim Settle Jr., and edge-rusher Derek Barnett.

The good news is that Houston doesn't really have any impending free agents who absolutely must be re-signed or who are likely to break the bank on the open market.

Bringing back Barnett, Ingram, punter Tommy Townsand, and some defensive depth would make plenty of sense, but many of the Texans' impending free agents can be viewed as replaceable.

The Texans are currently projected to have just $13.3 million in available cap space, and they may consider giving quarterback Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. early extensions. They'll at least be eligible for a new deal once the 2026 league year begins.

If Caserio is desperate to create cap space, he may consider parting with a veteran like tight end Dalton Schultz. Cutting Schultz with a post-June 1 designation would save $11.5 million in cap space, though it would create another offensive need.

Caserio could create another $8.5 million in cap space by cutting running back Joe Mixon, who missed all of 2025 with a foot injury.

Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

G Wyatt Teller

Even if Caserio generates significant cap space between now and March, the Texans probably won't be major players in the trade market. Houston's most glaring needs are along the offensive and defensive lines. Good linemen and interior defenders are rarely available via trade.

If the Texans do add a player via a trade, expect them to target younger players on team-friendly contracts, like defensive tackle Mazi Smith or cornerback Julius Brents.

Fans can probably expect the Texans to stay away from big names who might enter the trade market, like Maxx Crosby and Tyreek Hill.

A few intriguing offensive and defensive linemen are set to be available who should interest the Texans. The list includes offensive tackle Braden Smith, guard Wyatt Teller, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones. Houston may look to find long-term pieces on both lines in the draft, but veteran depth would be beneficial.

The Texans should also be interested in adding depth at linebacker and finding a starting-caliber running back. Fortunately, the 2026 free-agent class appears to be deep at both positions.

Don't be surprised if the Texans look to poach a free agent like linebacker Germaine Pratt or running back Travis Etienne Jr. away from an AFC South rival this spring.

Draft Targets

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Alabama DL prospect LT Overton

It would behoove the Texans to land at least one starting-caliber offensive lineman early in the 2026 draft. The interior has been particularly vulnerable, but the overall line has been an issue for a couple of years now.

Stroud has been sacked 113 times in 46 career starts.

Prospects like Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor and Penn State interior lineman Olaivavega Ioane should be firmly on Houston's radar on opening night. However, Caserio is unlikely to reach for need if a better value can be had—he traded out of the first round entirely last year.

A defender like Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, Clemson edge-rusher T.J. Parker, or Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton could make just as much sense in Round 1 if the right offensive lineman isn't available.

"LT Overton is the most versatile defensive lineman in the 2026 NFL draft class," Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report Scouting Department wrote. "He's an impressive run defender with the potential to be an impactful pass-rusher at the next level."

It wouldn't be a shock to see the Texans trade out of Round 1 for the second straight year, either.

On Day 2, Houston should have interest in prospects such as Georgia defensive lineman Christen Miller, Oregon interior lineman Emmanuel Pregnon, Indiana offensive tacke Carter Smith, Baylor tight end Michael Trigg, and Penn State running back Kaytron Allen.

Ideally, the Texans will come away with a starting front-seven defender, some secondary depth, and a complementary running back, in addition to a high-upside lineman. In all, Houston will have nine total selections, including a first-rounder and two second-round picks, with which to work.

*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon