Mixon's future, offensive line reinforcements, and a Pro Bowl running back highlight the Texans' critical first free agency moves.
The NFL free agency window opens roughly one month from today on March 11th, and armchair general managers league-wide have taken their shots at what their teams should do when the time finally arrives.
With that said, here's this armchair general manager's take on the first three things the Houston Texans must do on the first day of free agency.
Make a Decision on RB Joe Mixon
The Texans have been tight-lipped on the playing status of running back Joe Mixon for the entirety of 2025. Reports first emerged in the Summer about a mystery foot injury that might keep him out for the season.
That "might" became a reality, as Mixon never stepped foot on an NFL field for Houston, and it resulted in the Texans' rushing attack dropping from 15th in production in 2024 to bottom of the league in 2025.
In the lead up to Super Bowl LX, general manager Nick Caserio said of Mixon, " We're, at some point, probably going to see Joe for an evaluation to kind of see where he is. Honestly, Joe worked really hard to try and get himself ready. I think he's committed to try to be able to play football this year. We'll see if he's physically is able to do it or not. So, it's a little bit of a moving target still. Before we get to the season, I'm sure we'll have an idea."
With that level of speculation that still surrounds Mixon's availability for next season, the Texans may have no choice but to consider other options at the position. In addition, the Texans could save roughly $8 million if they were to part ways with the former 1,000 yard rusher.
Some finality on the issue would be refreshing for the franchise heading deeper into free agency.
Fortify the Offensive Line (Cade Mays?)
Multiple voices have echoed the sentiment that Panthers center Cade Mays would be a welcomed addition to the Texans' offensive line group.
That would mean that incumbent starter Jake Andrews would lose his role, but many are banking on the upside that Mays would bring for a line that struggled for the last couple of seasons with keeping quarterback C.J. Stroud upright and facilitating an efficient offense.
The financials would be one of the only sticking points if Houston pursued the former 2022 sixth-rounder, as Spotrac currently projects his next contract to be valued at roughly $12.2 million dollars per year. With some timely cuts and restructures, the Texans can create a pathway to acquire Mays and improve their offensive line.
Breece Hall, Please?
New York Jets running back Breece Hall seems to be on his way out of the Big Apple, and he has his sights set on one day hoisting a Lombardi trophy like his his fellow rusher Kenneth Walker III has done.
The former Iowa State Cyclone and 2022 second-round pick has had a rocky start to his professional career, but mainly due to the organization that selected him.
In spite of that, Hall just eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time in his career, along with topping at least 800 yards and four touchdowns for his third consecutive season.
Like Mays, Hall would potentially take some cap management to acquire, with Spotrac projecting a deal for the soon-to-be 25 year old to land around $10.5 million.
Still, it would be advantageous if the Texans were to solidify their running back room and head into 2026 with a much higher ceiling for their ailing offense.
Do you think Houston should have a different plan for ay one of free agency? Let us know in the comments section below and by mentioning us at @Texans_RTB and @Texans.Roundtable on TikTok!