June 23, 2026, 4:09 p.m. CT

How good was the Houston Texans‘ offseason?

A better question might be how much more improved did a team that finished with 12 wins last year get in one offseason, picking at the end of Round 1 with few needs?

Well, the Texans did enough. Small moves like signing linemen Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller, plus adding defensive depth in safety Reed Blankenship and defensive lineman Logan Hall, won’t make major headlines, but they will improve the roster. Other moves, like drafting Georgia Tech’s Keylan Rutledge and Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald, are sure to pique the interest of teams around the league long-term.

As a result of the moves around the league, CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards ranked the Texans among the top 10 best offseasons, largely focusing on the free-agent immediate upgrades. Although it was on the back-half of the column, Houston didn’t appear at No. 10, rather coming in with the ninth-best offseason.

“I struggled on how much to weigh all the veteran additions made along the offensive line. Offensive guard Wyatt Teller and offensive tackle Braden Smith have been plus starters in their careers, but are obviously closer to the end of those respective careers than the beginning,” Edwards wrote. “First-round center Keylan Rutledge should instill a physical nature the team had been lacking at that position. 

“After accumulating nearly 100 receptions over his first two seasons, wide receiver Tank Dell missed all of the 2025 season recovering from an injury. He is expected to be cleared for training camp and available for Week 1, so that is another offensive addition in the grand scheme.”

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The Texans return for the start of training camp on July 21.