As the post-draft free agency frenzy begins, two former franchise pillars weigh a return to Houston to bolster a roster primed for a deep playoff run.
Free agency is back in focus as the NFL draft process came to a close last month. Now the last few remaining free agents are at the forefront of team building decisions for the next few weeks.
Among the players that could sign are players returning to their old teams. For the Houston Texans, two quality players come to mind.
Cole Thompson of Texans Wire shares that former star draft pick and edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney could return to the team this offseason. Here's what Thompson wrote on the topic.
"A reunion with the former No. 1 overall pick? Clowney has carved out a pretty impressive career after leaving Houston in 2019, mostly serving as a secondary edge rusher. Last season in Arlington, the 33-year-old had 8.5 sacks, so he’s still got enough left in the tank and can bolster any defensive line. The only question here would be if there's still a bitterness by the former South Carolina star toward the franchise that never locked him up on a long-term extension."
Thompson contends another former Texans star could be in the running for a free agent addition. Here's what he wrote of DeAndre Hopkins' potential return.
"Could it actually happen? It’s clear that Hopkins, who turns 34 in June, is no longer the All-Pro who set Houston's offense ablaze for seven seasons, but there's still a role for him somewhere as a secondary receiver. The Texans are built now to compete, but would the former Pro Bowl return to his old stomping grounds?"
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) comes under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42) during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn ImagesThe Texans' willingness to sign either player could be contingent on the players accepting their new role, one that probably won't be as prominent as it was in their first stint with Houston.
The last time fans saw Hopkins in a Texans uniform he was an elite pass catcher. After stops with the Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens there is reasonable doubt that the once elite receiver's best seasons are behind him. That does not mean that he cannot contribute at a high level.
The same could be said for Clowney who proved productive for the Dallas Cowboys in spurts last year. That said, Hopkins perhaps stands as the more likely option given more recent performances.
Either way, there's a possibility that the Texans bring back a former player to play in 2026. We'll keep an eye on how realistic that move could be in the next few weeks.