Feb. 17, 2026, 4:04 p.m. CT

Free agency serves as a chance for teams to better their rosters and build off the previous campaign. How can the Houston Texans accomplish that feat after posting 12 wins for the first time since 2012?

Adding a long-term answer at right tackle would be a smart ploy to bolster the trenches with a veteran might be the biggest benefactor to see if C.J. Stroud is the right answer at quarterback. It’s also the only position ESPN has the Texans adding among the top 50 players set to hit the market.

Matt Bowen recently revealed the perfect location for the top free agents once the tampering period begins next month. While running back and defensive tackle remain questions of need, nothing matters more than shoring up the offensive line with Stroud set to enter the fourth year of his rookie contract.

Bowen has the Texans moving Tyuts Howard back to left guard full-time after splitting reps last season in two spots. With the right tackle spot open, he has Houston targeting Indianapolis Colts‘ Braden Smith as the newest answer opposite second-year standout Aireontae Ersery.

Elevating the offensive line in front of quarterback C.J. Stroud must be a priority for the Texans, and Smith would be an upgrade over free agent right tackle Trent Brown,” Bowen wrote. “Durability has been a concern for Smith, who just wrapped up his eighth season with the Colts, but he’s a drive blocker in the run game who can match power off the edges in pass pro.”

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Perhaps the biggest selling point with Smith is his dominant play as a run blocker. During his eight seasons at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Colts have finished with a top-10 rushing offense five times, mostly while protecting the consistent All-Pro Jonatahn Taylor.

While Smith’s arrival wouldn’t solve all the offensive line issues, it would give the Texans flexibility in the draft to target a defensive tackle or interior linemen with one of their first four picks. Houston owns nine total picks entering the combine later this month, including four in the top 70.

A combination of Smith, Ersery, Howard and a promising rookie could at least be intriguing entering next season. With another player or two as depth, Houston could have perhaps the most improved unit in the league entering next season.