The Texans insist they have a bright future, expressing confidence in their ability to emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
How realistic, though, is that outlook?
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The Texans lost for the third year in a row in the AFC divisional round, under coach DeMeco Ryans’ leadership. They are now 0-7 all-time at that stage of the offseason. They are the only team in the AFC to never advance to the AFC championship game.
Although the Texans rebounded strongly from a rocky 0-3 start to make the playoffs as they went on a league-best 10-game winning streak, there are several looming questions surrounding the AFC South franchise.
There’s the obvious quarterback question with C.J. Stroud melting down in the playoffs, the unresolved status of injured running back Joe Mixon and several key free agents.
“I’m really proud of this team,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said. “A lot of work that’s gone into this. A lot people were involved in that process. But we have had the best three-year stretch in the history of the franchise. We don’t take that lightly. We understand there is still some work in front of us and that’s a challenge that lies ahead. We got a great program.
“Proud of our program. I said this before the season started when we met in a tent there in August. I felt we had a good team. We had a good team. We have a good team. We got a lot of good players coming back. Excited about what’s in front of us. Excited to get started on 2026.”
Here are some key questions for the offseason surrounding the Texans:
Will Stroud Rebound From An Ugly Postseason
Stroud declined an invitation to the annual Pro Bowl Games, per a league source. Stroud is concentrating on his preparations for next season.
A former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl selection, Stroud is looking to bounce back from a tough ending to his third NFL season.
Stroud had five interceptions and five fumbles combined in two playoff games, with seven turnovers overall, including four interceptions in an AFC divisional-round playoff loss to the New England Patriots.
It was an uncharacteristic performance from Stroud, a former Heisman Trophy finalist and consensus All-American from Ohio State drafted second overall in 2023.
Stroud is 3-3 all-time in the playoffs and 28-18 in the regular season in three NFL seasons. He has completed 63.8 percent of his career passes for 10,876 yards, 62 touchdowns and 25 interceptions. He reduced his interceptions from 12 interceptions in 2024 to eight interceptions during the regular season this past year, finishing with 3,041 yards and 19 touchdowns. He missed three games due to a concussion.
He was sacked a career-low 23 times during the regular season.
“I’m still growing this league,” Stroud said. “Still a player that has a lot to learn from, a lot to look forward to in my career. So, I’m excited to do that.
“But yeah, I’m just going to take my best foot forward, and move on, and learn from it. I just add fuel to the fire. Makes the story a little sweeter. I know this ain’t the end of C.J. Stroud. This ain’t the end of my career.”
Fix The Running Game
Without Mixon, a Pro Bowl selection two seasons ago, due to a mysterious foot injury, the running game sputtered.
Mixon, who still hasn’t regained his health despite missing every game and never practicing all season, can be released at a savings of $8 million. The Texans should obviously move on.
They are expected to explore a rich class of free agent running backs.
If all of them to make it to free agency, the Texans could have several intriguing options.
That includes Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Rico Dowdle, Travis Etienne Jr., and Tyler Allgier.
Do The Texans Have Enough Salary Cap Space?
Not yet, but it’s easy enough for Caserio to create some.
Besides cutting Mixon, they can release defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. after he missed the season with a torn pectoral. Cutting him saves $4.4 million.
Plus, the Texans can restructure multiple contracts by converting the majority of players’ salaries into a signing bonus and amortize the proration over several years.
They are likely to do so with defensive end Danielle Hunter, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and wide receiver Nico Collins, and perhaps nickel Jalen Pitre.
Who Should Get Extended?
The Texans are expected to sign All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. to a blockbuster extension that may cost more than $40 million annually.
The Texans are expected to extend Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
There’s mutual interest in an extension for offensive guard Ed Ingram, a pending free agent.
The Texans would like to ideally extend offensive lineman Tytus Howard.
The Texans are not expected to extend Stroud this year.
They’ll likely exercise his fifth-year option through the 2027 season at a cost of $26.5 million.
The Texans want defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins back, and he would like to return.
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