Cowboys secure Javonte Williams, while Travis Etienne eyes Kansas City. Texans' running back options shrink.
Ahead of NFL free agency, the Houston Texans as viewed being very needy in the rushing department. Fielding a unit that finished as one of the most anemic in the league, general manager Nick Caserio is now tasked with bringing in talent that can raise the floor of performance.
Unfortunately, dominoes are beginning to fall in terms of options for Houston to try and bring in.
The Texans' Options in Free Agency Are Starting to Dwindle
According to multiple reports, the Dallas Cowboys have agreed with running back Javonte Williams on a three-year, $24 million ($16 million guaranteed) deal to return to the team ahead of NFL free agency.
After a 1,200-yard, 13 touchdown career season in Big D, Williams is rewarded with long-term security and now looks to begin preparations for an encore in 2026.
This is relevant for Houston because they are heading into free agency with their own need at the position, and Williams was seen as a potential option if Dallas opted to let the 25-year old walk.
With him now off the board, fans and media now looks to other names to speculate on before the new league year begins.
Attention Turns to Jaguars RB Travis Etienne
One name in particular is Jacksonville Jaguars rusher Travis Etienne, who will be a free to sign with any team when March 11th finally arrives.
The 27-year old just completed the third 1,000-yard season of his four year career, with 2024 being the lone year where he hasn't eclipsed the mark. He also added 13 total touchdowns (seven rushing, six rushing) and was a vital piece to the Jaguars' historic 13-win season under head coach Liam Coen.
Making things better is the fact that Etienne is projected to only warrant roughly $7.5 million in the open market.
However, Williams was given $8 million per year when he was also projected around the same range. So, most likely, Etienne's camp may look at Williams' deal as the starting point for negotiations with any interested team.
If that weren't enough, news also broke stating that Etienne has "legitimate interest" in joining the Kansas City Chiefs when he finally does become a free agent.
If that's the case, that's potentially now two rushers that Houston has to cross off their big board as they assess their options in improving their running attack (assuming their plan was free agency based).
That leaves players like Kenneth Walker III, Breece Hall, Rachaad White and Rico Dowdle for consideration to join a backfield including Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan (Joe Mixon excluded due to possibility of him being released by Houston).
Options in the NFL draft
There's also April's NFL draft to look forward to, where rookie prospects like Jadarian Price, Jonah Coleman and Emmett Johnson will be center stage for the other 31 franchises to plan for.
Although, a rookie selection is seen by many as a way for Houston to fill the third-string spot as the player gets better acclimated to the infrastructure of offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
Do you think the Texans should be concerned about possible options now being unavailable? Let us know in the comment section below and bey mentioning us on X via @Texans_RTB and TikTok via @Texans.Roundtable.