Houston's aggressive offseason lands key talent, but lingering offensive line concerns might still derail their 2026 Super Bowl aspirations.
The Houston Texans have had perhaps the least quiet offseason in the NFL if volume of contracts signed is the metric. The Texans have made about 20 additions to their roster by trade, restructure, re-signing or free agent acquisition.
The high volume of activity has had some questioning if the team is doing too much as other teams err on the side of not enough roster moves. Perhaps the Texans are on the right side of that divide.
Houston's series of contracts has seen the team dominate the offensive line free agent market, add several key defensive players and fill needs at running back and tight end. In the process, the team set itself up for contention in the upcoming season.
ESPN insider D.J. Bien-Aime broke down what the Texans have accomplished and what more they need to do to reach their goals in 2026.
"Did the Texans hit their free agency goals? Yes. They added depth on the offense in Smith and guards Evan Brown and Wyatt Teller -- but there's still more to be done. Houston has improved an already stout defense with the addition of Blankenship.
Biggest remaining roster hole: Offensive line. This is still the priority after Houston finished the 2025 season ranked 30th in pass block win rate (55.5%) and last in run block win rate (68.4%). Howard was their best lineman who could play multiple spots last season, so until the Texans replace him, they shouldn't be content."
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) reacts after a catch against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesIt appears that the Texans' strength up front has shifted from the tackle position to the interior offensive line with its 2026 signings. Bien-Aime does not seem to believe Braden Smith is enough of an impact maker at tackle for the Texans to rest on their laurels for the upcoming season. Despite adding five offensive linemen, the Texans analyst still views the offensive line unit as Houston's biggest weakness.
While perhaps true, the team helped itself out in other ways. The addition of Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery could mean a yard or two more than the Texans were getting before in the running game. If it does, the pressure could shift from having to hold up in pass protection on third and long to more third and medium passing downs. In the process, the unit's low win rate might be camouflaged by more optimal offensive scenarios.
The Texans have not had a perfect offseason, but they have had a really good one. They will look to complete the offseason with a strong NFL draft.