March 1, 2026, 10:11 a.m. CT<\/p>\n
While the Houston Texans<\/a> should still try to target a running back via the upcoming NFL draft, expect general manager Nick Caserio to target a proven name with free agency begins on March 11.<\/p>\n ESPN’s Dan Graziano<\/a> and Jeremy Fowler recently shared tidbits from the week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, revealing plans for several teams as they prepare for stage 2 of the offseason. As for the Texans<\/a>, the consensus was evident that they plan to approach multiple running backs set to hit the market with a competitive offer to join the AFC South franchise<\/a> this offseason.<\/p>\n And it’s not just names like Carolina’s\u00a0Rico Dowdle<\/a>\u00a0and Atlanta’s\u00a0Tyler Allgeier. Houston also plans to contract Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III and Jacksonville’s Travis Eitenne Jr.<\/p>\n \u00a0“Javonte Williams\u00a0likely set the floor for negotiations for the top free agent running backs after agreeing to a\u00a0strong deal\u00a0that keeps him in Dallas and guarantees him $16 million over the next two seasons,” Graziano wrote. “The backs who sound like they have a good chance to top Williams’ number are:<\/p>\n Teams I expect to see gauge the free agent RB market include the Chiefs, Texans and Giants<\/a>, among others.<\/p>\n Dowdle has been the top name linked to the Texans, especially given Caserio’s contract negotiations in the past. He’s coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in both Dallas and Carolina while being a split back in each formation. Houston could target him since the plan is to keep Woody Marks active as a stable No. 2 option entering Nick Caley’s offense in Year 2.<\/p>\n