As key players face contract finales, Houston grapples with potential seismic shifts for their promising young core.
Even though the 2026 season hasn't even begun yet for the Houston Texans, the gravity of the year's importance cannot be understated.
Not only is the team moving into year four of the Demeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson triumvirate, it also will be the final contract year for a number of notable Texans. The list includes names like (but not limited to):
- Tytus Howard, right tackle (drafted in 2019)
- Dalton Schultz, tight end (2023 free agent)
- Danielle Hunter, defensive end (2024 free agent)
- Azeez Al-Shaair, linebacker (2024 free agent)
- Joe Mixon, running back (2024 trade)
- Ka'imi Fairbairn, kicker (undrafted in 2016)
- Mario Edwards, defensive tackle (2024 free agent)
- Davis Mills, quarterback (drafted in 2021)
- Tank Dell, wide receiver (drafted in 2023)
- Henry To'oto'o, linebacker (drafted in 2023)
- Xavier Hutchinson, wide receiver (drafted in 2023)
- Tommy Togiai, defensive tackle (2024 free agent)
This is a current "who's who" of players, a bunch that help to represent the current era of football in Houston as a whole. They have been foundational pillars, whether drafted or free agency acquired, of the successful franchise that the McNairs envisioned when bringing on Ryans and co. three years ago.
The Natural Way of the NFL
Now, they've reached an inflection point in team history. After three consecutive trips to the AFC Divisional round with no further progress made, even more pressure will be on the shoulders of general manager Nick Caserio to get things right with the current core available.
They won't be able to keep everyone regardless. That's just the natural cost of doing business when you're drafting well and hitting on quality free agents when given the chance. However, many in the fan base will look at this current run as a bit of a disappointment if they can't capitalize on a weakened AFC while these men are still wearing Battle Red.
Different Roads, Same Destination Preferred
Holdovers like Howard and Fairbairn (Bill O'Brien era) won't get to see the mission through it they're unable to contribute to a championship team.
Though he's already making a case for Canton, Ohio, Hunter's best chance for a ring might just include him being lined up next to fellow defensive end Will Anderson Jr on one of the fiercest defensive lines in all of football.
Dell's first three seasons were tragically decimated due to various lower body injuries. It would be a crying shame if him and quarterback C.J. Stroud weren't able to truly wreak havoc on NFL secondaries like we saw glimpses of during their rookie seasons in 2023.
Mills has become a bit of a folk-hero in Houston due to his 3-0 season saving stretch last season, and it would be quite the sight to witness him helping the team in some capacity to reach the franchise's first conference championship game at least.
Each member of this group can lay claim to some level of investment in the direction of the club at the current moment, and it would only be right if they were around the help the team cross the proverbial "finish line".
Time will tell if (most likely when) Caserio and the front office decide to lock up various players on this list for the foreseeable future. Though re-signing a healthy amount of these player back would be very realistic to guess, the fact is there's an imaginary clock that's now ticking.
This current version of the Texans is reaching its conclusion. Hopefully, the transition plan is ushered in with a triumphant parade that stretches across the vast concrete walkways of downtown Houston.
Do you think of 2026 as the "Last Dance" for these new Texans? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB on X and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!