Houston shores up its offensive line depth. Re-signing Jarrett Kingston offers crucial stability and versatility for the Texans' championship aspirations.
In the high-stakes theater of the NFL offseason, it’s the blockbuster trades and record-breaking contracts that grab the headlines. But for a team like the Houston Texans, who are firmly in their "championship window" with C.J. Stroud, the Super Bowl is often won or lost in the margins. With the offseason on swing, the Texans are looking to create more stability in the trenches. The re-signing of Jarrett Kingston is one of those smart but quiet moves.
On February 20, 2026, the Texans made one of those marginal moves, re-signing offensive lineman Jarrett Kingston to a one-year, $1.1 million deal. While a $15,000 signing bonus won’t make waves on SportsCenter, this extension is a textbook example of how GM Nick Caserio maintains a healthy, competitive roster.
The Value of Solid Versatility
Kingston, a former 2024 sixth-round pick, joined Houston mid-season in 2025 after being poached from the Panthers' practice squad. While he only saw action in two games last season (logging 32 offensive snaps), the Texans clearly saw enough in practice to keep him in the building.
By securing him as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent (ERFA) now, Houston avoids the late-spring scramble for depth. At 26 years old, Kingston offers:
Versatility: With experience at both guard and tackle during his collegiate career at USC and Washington State, he is a "Swiss Army knife" backup.
Minimal Risk: The deal is effectively a "prove-it" contract. Kingston’s initial deal with the Texans was one year for $960,000. With only $15,000 in guaranteed money, the Texans have total flexibility if a younger prospect flashes in training camp.
Salary Cap Health: A $1.1 million cap hit is a bargain for a player who understands the system and can provide special teams utility.
Strengthening the Interior
The Texans' offensive line underwent a massive facelift last season, integrating veterans like Trent Brown and Ed Ingram alongside young pillars like Aireontae Ersery. However, with injuries always a certainty in the NFL, a team is only as good as its seventh or eighth lineman.
Kingston isn't being brought in to unseat a starter, he's being brought in to ensure that if a starter goes down in Week 4, the entire offense doesn't collapse. His 64.1 pass-blocking grade in limited 2025 action suggests he has the tools to be a reliable "emergency" valve.
The Bottom Line
This move isn't about shifting the power balance of the AFC South—it’s about insurance on the line. In an era where elite offensive line play is at a premium, keeping a young, 6'4", 305-pound athlete who already knows your playbook for just over $1 million is simply good business.
The Texans are building a culture of competition and depth. Re-signing Kingston might be a "quiet" move today, but if he’s called upon to protect Stroud’s blindside in a snowy January playoff game, it will look like one of the loudest wins of the offseason.