The Houston Texans found their franchise quarterback and top defender in the NFL Draft last season. With C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. locked into rookie contracts, the Texans reportedly could be posed to strike by landing one of the biggest names in NFL free agency.
Houston is widely expected to be aggressive this offseason after making the playoffs. While there are needs on both sides of the ball, including running back, the Texans are prioritizing improving their talent defensively. DeMeco Ryans got a lot out of the unit last season, but the front office wants to add more impact defenders to put this team over the top.
- Houston Texans cap space 2024: $70 million
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Before NFL free agency even opens, some of the top options are expected to come off the board. The Kansas City Chiefs franchise-tagged cornerback L’Jarius Sneed and both edge rushers Josh Allen and Brian Burns are expected to get tagged. Because Houston already has limited draft capital, it will likely not be pursuing a sign-and-trade for any of the tagged players.
However, the team might’ve caught a break with one of the top NFL free agents in 2024. The Miami Dolphins are not going to tag defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. With a need on the defensive line, that’s at least one top option for Houston and it appears to be one that will be pursued.
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According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, many around the NFL expect the Texans to be ‘major players’ for Wilkins now that he’s poised to become a free agent. Justin Madubuike also would’ve been a top target, but the Baltimore Ravens are going to tag him.
While Wilkins has never made the Pro Bowl in his career, the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft is one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Not only is he an above-average run defender, but Wilkins is also excellent at creating interior pressure on quarterbacks.
- Christian Wilkins stats (career): 50 QB hits, 43 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks
Coming off his age-27 season, Wilkins set career-highs in sacks (nine) and quarterback hits (23) last season with the Dolphins. He also recorded one of the highest ESPN pass-rush win rates (13 percent) at his position. If the Texans are able to land Wilkins, it will likely be a multi-year deal worth at least $24 million per season. With the addition of Wilkins, Anderson Jr. will have a much easier time racking up sacks in the years to come.
