Texans bolster defense and offense with key signings. Discover if early free agency moves elevate their championship aspirations.
NFL free agency is well under way across the National Football League. And with several teams watching multiple players leave every year, it is rare that a team actually gets better in the way of continuity from one season to the next.
Despite that reality, the Houston Texans are having a sneaky good offseason through the first two weeks of March.
The team has made several signings, re-signings, restructures and trade additions to improve with most of them coming on the defensive side. Still there have been impact additions on offense.
The following players have been added by extension: offensive tackle Trent Brown, defensive end Danielle Hunter, guard Ed Ingram, tight end Dalton Schultz, linebacker E.J. Speed and safety M.J. Stewart.
While the team lost Tytus Howard at offensive tackle via trade, it added Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery and followed by adding Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith to replace Howard.
Texans reporter Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com discussed what Smith brings to the table.
"After trading versatile offensive lineman Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns one year after trading five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders and retaining right guard Ed Ingram on a three-year, $37.5 million deal and massive swing tackle Trent Brown on a one-year, $7 million deal, another reboot of the offensive line is underway.
The vision the Texans have for the offensive line is underscored by what Smith is all about and his gritty style of play while battling through and conquering a history of injuries and overcoming a mental health issue he dealt with two seasons ago involving a form of obsessive compulsive disorder called religious scrupulosity. Smith sought help through medication and treatment and resumed football after taking time for himself in 2024. He’s in a very good place now."
Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) looks to block Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Barry Reeger-Imagn ImagesIt's uncertain yet if the Texans are upgrading at tackle with Smith. He will have something to prove when he takes the field with Houston. Nevertheless, the Texans in many ways are holding serve in maintaining a championship contending roster with contract extensions. Montgomery and Smith simply fill needs with quality players that will prevent drop off at those positions if not improve them.
The Texans roster looks comparable to if not better than the team it fielded last season. Look for the team to continue its improvement in a bid for a first ever AFC title appearance.