Ample free agency and draft prospects offer the Texans abundant avenues to finally bolster their struggling offensive line.
It is no secret that the Houston Texans will have to put an emphasis on fixing the offensive line during the 2026 offseason. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery made some progress during the 2026 season after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but the four other spots on the offensive line are spots that could be upgraded either through free agency or the draft.
General Manager Nick Caserio is going to have to work hard to improve the offensive line as a whole, but he will have plenty of opportunities to do so, according to ESPN's Ben Solak. The analyst recently broke down the strengths and weaknesses of the offseason class. This includes players from each position that are expected to be available in free agency, on the trade market, and through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Solak had the interior offensive line ranked as the second-best position to need during the 2026 offseason, specifically offensive guard, "Interior offensive line is always a spot at which teams can plug guys quite freely, but this feels like a uniquely good year for it. Tyler Linderbaum (Ravens) might actually become available, which would be surprising and likely record-setting. He's the blow-your-socks-off free agent, but after him, the interior is still deep. Guards Isaac Seumalo (Steelers) and David Edwards (Bills) were two of the best players at their position last season, and both are expected to become available. Alijah Vera-Tucker (Jets) has been one of the best young guards over the past few years, but he's coming off a torn triceps that complicates his 2026 projection even further."
The free agent class is quite good. Houston needs a center, but if Tyler Linderbaum were to actually hit free agency, the Texans probably won't be involved. He is going to command a lot of money, and Houston might be better off attacking the position in the draft, "What center lacks for free agents it makes up for in the draft. While there's no Linderbaum likely to go Round 1, there is a ton of experience and NFL readiness. Jake Slaughter (Florida) and Connor Lew (Auburn) were both three-year starters in the SEC; Logan Jones (Iowa) was a four-year starter at Iowa. All three are smaller players who won't fit for every offense, but Sam Hecht (Kansas State) has the size those teams are seeking."
Houston has four picks in the top 69 selections of the 2026 NFL Draft, and the organization has six picks in the first four rounds. There should be plenty of chances for Caserio and company to land a center and guard in the event, depending on how free agency goes.