Who are the 20 free agents for the Texans entering the offseason?

The offseason is officially underway for the Houston Texans off NRG Drive.

That means free agents are set to potentially test the market.

After posting a 12-win season for the first time since 2012, Houston has an understanding of what it takes to win a Super Bowl.  A 28-16 division round loss to the New England Patriots led to the same end as the previous two years under DeMeco Ryans, but this season felt different.

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Houston looked like it was built to hoist a Lombardi Trophy on the defensive side, thanks to the breakout play of All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and cornerback Kamari Lassiter. On offense, the Texans need a breakout campaign from C.J. Stroud in 2026 or they could be starting over at the league’s most important spot.

The roster construction will be a do-or-die for general manager Nick Caserio as conference championship weekend approaches. The Texans could be willing to part ways with some key names, but others must be retained before they ever flirt with the idea of leaving NRG Stadium.

Who are the names to know entering the offseason? Here are the 20 free agents from the Texans’ active roster that the team must decide on keeping or letting go over the next 60 days.

DL Sheldon Rankins

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans owner Cal McNair greets defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) after an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

WR Christian Kirk

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Christian Kirk (13) celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) in the second quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

OL Ed Ingram

Jul 23, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram (69) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

RB Nick Chubb

Oct 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) runs for a gain past Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin (38) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

OT Trent Brown

Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Trent Brown (77) is introduced before playing against the Buffalo Bills at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

DE Derek Barnett

Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

DL Denico Autry

Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is sacked by Houston Texans defensive end Denico Autry (96) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LB E.J. Speed

Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker E.J. Speed (45) takes the field prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

DL Tim Settle Jr.

Nov 9, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. (98) takes the field prior to a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

RB Dare Ogunbowale

Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) recovers a fumble during the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

LB Christian Harris

Aug 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Christian Harris (48) battles with Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (84) during the first half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images

DB Jimmie Ward

Sep 22, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor (83) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

DB M.J. Stewart

Aug 16, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety M.J. Stewart (29) waits for a snap during the game against the Carolina Panthers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

DT Foley Fatukasi

Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Patrick Mekari (65) matches up against Houston Texans defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi (91) during the first quarter between the Houston Texans and the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday September 21, 2025 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]

P Tommy Townsend

Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans place kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn (15) reacts with punter Tommy Townsend (6) after a made field goal against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

DT Naquan Jones

Jan 18, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Naquan Jones (91) reacts after a defensive stop in the third quarter against the New England Patriots in an AFC Divisional Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

WR Braxton Berrios

Aug 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios (17) catches a pass for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

CB Ja’Marcus Ingram

Jan 4, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (14) is pushed out of bounds by Houston Texans cornerback Ja’marcus Ingram (42) during the second half at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

LB Damone Clark

Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Damone Clark (31) and linebacker Jamal Hill (56) react after a play during the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Who are the 20 free agents for the Texans entering the offseason?