March 8, 2026, 6:01 a.m. CT
Free agency is finally here and the Houston Texans are ready to strike.
The new league year begins on Wednesday, meaning on Monday, the Texans can begin to negotiate deals with any free agent, including those still talking with their current teams in what’s known as the legal tampering period. On Wednesday, all movesm inlcuding the trade of offensive tackle Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns and the trade for Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery, will become binding.
After a 12-win season, the Texans still have several needs. Some are expected to be addressed in the draft, but the biggest needs, including interior offensive line, defensive tackle and tight end, might need to be the top targeted moves in free agency.
Knowing general manager Nick Caserio, there will be a slew of moves made this offseason away from just the free agency market. Some moves will include internal extensions to better the roster beyond 2026. That’s already been underway as tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker E.J. Speed, defensive back M.J. Stewart and All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter inked new contracts through at least next season, if not 2027.
Expect Houston to make mostly one or two-year contracts with players on the market, while Caserio probably ships out a late-round pick for a proven player looking for a fresh start.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Texans Wire will try to do the impossible and guess the mind of Caserio entering free agency. This includes not only what he’ll do in terms of free agency, but also how he’ll attack the NFL draft later on in April after fixing the team with proven talent.
If we’re right, come back and say this is the greatest prediction of all time. If we’re wrong, well don’t shoot the messenger.
Let’s make some bold predictions, shall we?
Here’s every move made by Caserio up to this point in the offseason.
OT Tytus Howad traded to Cleveland Browns in exchange for 2026 fifth-round pickRB David Montgomery traded from Detriot Lions in exchange for OL Juice Scruggs, 2026 fourth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pickRB Joe Mixon released, saving $8 million in cap space.DB Jimmie Ward released, saving $750K in cap spaceDE Danielle Hunter extended on a one-year, $40.1 million deal through 2027 season.TE Dalton Schultz extended on a one-year, $12 million deal through 2027 season.DB M.J. Strewart re-signed to one-year dealOT Trent Brown re-signed to one-year, $7 million dealLB E.J. Speed re-sgined to two-year deal worth up to $13 millionDB Jalen Pitre, DB Derek Stingley Jr.’s contract restructured, saving over $20 million in cap space.
The Texans have planned on giving their captain a new deal after his dominant second season at NRG Stadium. A similar contract to that of Schultz seems like an easy move for Caserio to make, thus freeing up at least $4 million in cap space entering free agency. That money could be used to ensure another defensive player sticks around long-term.
RB David Montgomery agrees to a one-year, $9 million extension, freeing up $3 million in cap space
Caserio could simply tear up Montgomery’s old contract with Detroit since there’s no guaranteed money left on the deal, but instead, he shifts $3 million out of the next two years to tack on a third year to the deal through 2028. Montgomery might be 29, but given his lack of usage, the Texans are getting a runner with little wear on the tires.
Texans pick up DE Will Anderson Jr.’s fifth-year option
Anderson is the best young defensive player in the game. This is an easy call for Caserio.
Texans pick up QB C.J. Stroud’s fifth-year option
Even if Stroud struggled to live up to his 2023 success, the Texans have a top-half quarterback on a rookie contract. This season is built around making sure the former Offensive Rookie of the Year has zero excuses to be successful in 2026.
Anderson has the chance to become the next J.J. Watt. He’s the most important part of the team’s future and plans to be the anchor on the defensive line so long as DeMeco Ryans is in charge. This new deal should make the No. 3 overall pick the highest-paid defensive player in terms of annual salary ($50 million), thus surpassing Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons. No one in Houston should be upset about the deal since the Texans know their defense is the backbone of the franchise.
Rankins is the ideal fit for Houston’s defensive line under Ryans. In his two seasons with the Texans, he’s racked up nine sacks, 16 tackles for loss and 19 QB hits. The last time he left, it led to his release with the Bengals. Why ruin a good thing for more money? It’s the right move for both sides.
DE Derek Barnett agrees to one-year deal worth $5 million
Everything said about Rankins could be dittoed for Barnett. He’s a perfect No. 3 pass rusher who fills in well behind Hunter and Anderson. If it works, why change up a system that made Houston the No. 1 defense last season?
DL Tim Settle agrees to one-year deal worth $5.5 million
Again, why ruin a good thing?  In two seasons in Houston, Settle racked up 46 tackles, six sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He started 12 games before a season-ending foot injury sidelined him for the playoffs. He’ll test the market, but the pricing will eventually lead him back to the defense he thrived in before an injury cost him a hefty payday on the market.
It’s the one name linked to Houston’s throughout the entire offseason in the trenches following his announcement last month. The two years will be front-heavy, thus giving the Texans a chance to release Teller should he struggle once as the starting left guard and immediate replacement for Howard. When at his peak, the 31-year-old still is a stable linemen with high potential in pass protection, so it’s a welcome bonus for Cole Popovich’s trenches.
New York Jets OL Alijh Vera-Tucker signs one-year deal worth $8 million
This is the type of high-risk, high-reward mentality Caserio loves to play with each offseason on having a former standout find his rhythm. Vera-Tucker is one of the league’s most versatile and physical linemen, especially in run blocking, when healthy. The only problem? He’s missed over 40 games in five years due to three season-ending injuries.
This move could easily backfire or hit, but the Texans have to be willing to try anything. Vera-Tucker might also be willing to bet on himself, using the 2026 season as a chance to up his value and cash in next spring ona lucrative deal like former Texans lineman Ed Ingram. The move also doesn’t stop Houston from drafting a guard within the first four picks, thus adding more depth to the line.
The Texans added former Giants assistant offensive line coach James Ferentz to the staff as the new tight ends coach, so his previous relationship with Van Roten makes this interesting. Over stops with New York, Buffalo and Las Vegas, the 36-year-old has started all 17 games for each of the past three years and played both left and right guard. This is the Juice Scruggs replacement on a veteran minimum deal.
New York Giants TE Chris Manhertz signs one-year deal worth $2 million
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander pointed this name out and it makes total sense. How many times did Houston have Blake Fisher like up as basically a blocking tight end to shore up the run blocking? What does Manhertz do? Who is the Texans’ new tight ends coach? Add it all up and he’s Houston’s new big-time blocker.
Indianapolis Colts DB Nick Cross signs two-year deal worth $14.5 million
Re-signing Stewart only signals his value on special teams. He’ll compete for a starting job, but Cross could be a nice find after a promising campaign with the Colts. He’s improved in coverage over the past two years while being an exceptional run defender and open-field tackler. With Pitre in the slot and Calen Bullock deep in coverage, Cross still has the skills to make Houston the most complete secondary in football.
New England Patriots LB Ja’Whaun Bentley signs one-year deal worth $3 million
Christian Harris is testing free agency while Houston needs another option behind Speed. A former New England Patriots player coming to Houston? Stop if you’ve heard that before.
Philadelphia Eagles P Braden Mann signs one-year deal worth $2.3 million
Houston needs a punter with Tommy Townsend likely leaving in free agency. Mann, who played his college ball at Texas A&M, is coming off a season where he averaged 49.9 yards per play. He’ll be a cheaper option and a welcome addition back to the Lone Star State.
New York Giants DB Cor’Dale Flott signs one-year deal
This is the Myles Bryant move of 2026. He might not make the active roster, but he’ll push for a spot on the team.
Detroit Lions WR Kaliff Raymond signs one-year deal
Raymond has special teams value and could fight for the WR No. 6 role. Meet the next Braxton Berrios of 2026.
Washington Commanders CB Noah Igbinoghene signs one-year deal
Another veteran looking for a home, Igbinoghene should at least compete for a role on special teams while trying to prove there’s still a sense of the first-round talent within sight.
New York Giants LB Micah McFadden signs one-year deal
Another special teams option who could be looking to make an active roster before the start of next season.
Miami Dolphins DE Quinton Bell signs one-year deal
The Texans always seem to target one or two names looking to stay in the league on the defensive line. Here’s another option with Bell, who should be a nice camp body fighting for reps.
New York Jets WR John Metchie III signs one-year deal
He already knows the offense and was a favorite of Stroud during their two seasons together. The best case? Metchie finally hits his stride and makes at least the practice squad. He’ll be cheap and a solid locker room addition back.
Arizona Cardinals RB Emari Demacardo signs one-year deal
It’s another camp body who should push names like British Brooks and Jawhar Jordan in camp. Demacardo has started, so maybe he could be the next Dare Ogunbowale for the Texans’ special teams and offense.
Given that Houston is re-signing Rankins and Settle in this exercise, there’s no need for Edwards, who missed half the season with an injury, to stick around. Minnesota’s release of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave has them in need of defensive line depth. With the trade, Houston can free up another $4.4 mllion in cap space. The Texans would also get back the draft compensation lost in the Montgomery deal.
Using the Pro Football Focus draft simulator, here’s what the Texans do when on the clock.
TRADE: Texans trade pick No. 28 to the Arizona Cardinals for second-round pick (No. 34), fourth-round pick (No. 104) and fifth-round pick (No. 141)
Round 2, Pick No. 34 – Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor
The redshirt senior started 31 games over his three seasons with the Sun Devils, including all 14 of their College Football Playoff run in 2024. He’s a proven name that could immediately compete with Trent Brown for reps at right tackle. He’s ready as a run blocker, but his pass protection could use some work.
Round 2, Pick No. 38 – Clemson DL Peter Woods
With defensive tackle being a long-term need, Woods falling this late is a blessing in disguise for the Texans. At his peak, Woods has the skills to be a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive tackle that thrives in run support. He’ll be a welcome addition to the Texans’ front seven and eventual replacement for Rankins in the starting lineup.
Round 2, Pick No. 59 – Texas A&M OL Chase Bisontis
With Teller and Vera-Tucker signed to deals, the Texans could technically redshirt Bisontis while he gets acclimated to NFL speed. Last season, the 6-foot-3 left guard was exceptional as a pass protector, anchoring an offensive line that carried Mike Elko’s squad to an 11-1 regular season finish in College Station. He’s a different breed than Kenyon Green, so the “Battered Aggie Syndrome” persona won’t carry its way over to NRG Stadium for the future.
Round 3 Pick No. 67 – USC DB Kamari Ramsey
The last time Houston targeted a USC safety, it landed the ball-hawking Calen Bullock. This time, it lands a hard-hitting option in Ramsey, who rarely misses tackles and plays the run exceptionally well. He should pair well with Bullock and Jaylin Smith as Caserio goes back to the West Coast well for a third straight offseason.
TRADE: Texans trade picks No. 104, No. 139, No. 141 to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for pick No. 85
Round 3 Pick No. 85- Auburn OL Connor Lew
The Texans must add a center option this offseason, but after not spending big on Cade Mays or Ethan Pocic, Lew is the next best option. It’s a win-win all around since Jake Andrews could start the season at center while Lew recovers from his torn ACL. By midseason, he should be cleared to play and might end up being the biggest steal of the draft.
Round 4, Pick No. 106 – Stanford TE Sam Roush
A multi-functional player who brings in-line ability to go with the multitude of ways to impress as a blocker, Roush is the type of tight end that Houston envisioned Cade Stover to be. The 6-foot-6 Cardinal was exceptional in pass protection and consistently worked his hands to find proper leverage. He’s a find after the first 100 picks.
TRADE: The Texans trade picks 161 and 243 to the New York Giants for pick No. 143
Round 5, Pick No. 143 – Nebraksa RB Emmet Johnson
Another option to compete for reps long-term, Johnson was a home run threat in Lincoln. He should add value to the Texans’ ground game and is a find this late in the draft.
Round 5 Pick No. 165 – Indiana LB Aiden Fisher
The anchor of the Hooisers’ defense, Fisher should compete with Jamal Hill and Jake Hasen for a role on special teams.
Round 6, Pick No. 195 – Indiana OL Pat Coogan
The former Notre Dame and Indiana lineman can play multiple positions and add great value to the trenches. He’s a nice find this late in the draft to serve as depth with potential starting upside in the future.
Round 7, Pick No. 244 – Illinois DL James Thompson Jr.
This late in the draft, always get defensive line depth.