The Houston Texans have been extremely active thus far during the NFL offseason. Their latest move shakes up the early portion of the coming 2024 NFL Draft.
That included dealing away a first-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for multiple additional selections, including a second-rounder in 2025. This gives general manager Nick Caserio and Co. a ton of flexibility leading up to the draft and during the annual event next month.
Coming off a surprise playoff appearance and with one of the best young rosters in the NFL, the time is now for Houston to continue building this momentum. We will look at three moves the Texans should still make this offseason. But before that, let’s check in on what they’ve already done.
Related: Analyzing the Houston Texans signing of Danielle Hunter
Houston Texans offseason tracker
- Free agent additions: Danielle Hunter (DE), Azeez Al-Shaair (LB), Denico Autry (DE), Jeff Okudah (CB),
- Free agent losses: Jonathan Greenard (DE), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Brian Cashman (LB), Devin Singletary (RB)
Houston Texans trades
- Acquired running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals for a conditional future seventh-round pick.
- Traded defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the San Francisco 49ers for a seventh-round pick.
- Traded 23rd and 232nd picks in the 2024 NFL Draft to the Minnesota Vikings for 42nd and 188th picks this year and a second-round selection in 2025.
Related: Top NFL free agents of 2024
Moves the Houston Texans should still make this offseason
- Add depth on the defensive line: Houston did pick up veteran defensive tackle Tim Settle in NFL free agency. But this is an area of need after losing both Collins and Rankins earlier in the offseason. Unfortunately, there is not a whole heck of a lot out there. Linval Joseph, Johnathan Hankins and John Jenkins are the most-notable remaining on the open market. A trade or using one of their second-round picks on this position makes sense for DeMeco Ryans and Co.
- More depth at tight end: Re-signing Dalton Schultz ahead of free agency was a big deal for Houston. But there is still a need behind him on the roster. That’s where the NFL Draft could come into play. Mid-round options include Jaheim Bell (Florida State) and Jack Westover (Washington)
- Blockbuster move for wide receiver: Nico Collins had a breakout 2023 campaign. Tank Dell did his thing as a rookie. Robert Woods is a savvy veteran. But in order to help young quarterback C.J. Stroud take his game to a whole new level, getting a true No. 1 makes the most sense. In this scenario, we look for Houston to pull off a blockbuster trade for franchise-tagged Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. Imagine him working with Collins and Dell as the three starters. In turn, the Texans yield the second-round pick they acquired from Minnesota in the aforementioned blockbuster.