If Mills is traded, veteran free agent Marcus Mariota emerges as the logical, plug-and-play option to seamlessly back up C.J. Stroud.
With the 2026 offseason heating up, the Houston Texans find themselves in a peculiar position of strength. Davis Mills, who stepped in for an injured C.J. Stroud last season and went a perfect 3-0, has seen his trade value skyrocket. Rumors are swirling that quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets or Miami Dolphins (now led by former Texans assistant Bobby Slowik) could offer a mid-round pick for the "Stanford Sniper."
If Nick Caserio decides to pull the trigger on a trade to capitalize on Mills’ value before his contract expires, Houston will need a reliable veteran to steady the ship behind Stroud. Here are the three free agents the Texans should target to fill that void.
1. Marcus Mariota: The "Dual-Threat" Insurance Policy
At 32, Mariota remains one of the premier backup options in the league. Last season in Washington, he proved he can still operate a high-level offense, stepping in for Jayden Daniels and maintaining a respectable passer rating. Mariota is somewhat the gold standard for high-end backups. He’s mobile, experienced, and familiar with the "Shanahan-style" principles that Houston runs
- Why he fits: DeMeco Ryans prizes mobility and "grittiness." Mariota’s ability to use his legs adds a dimension to the playbook that Mills simply doesn't offer. If Stroud’s protection breaks down, Mariota is a veteran who can extend plays and keep the chains moving.
- The Cost: Likely a one-year deal in the $6M–$8M range. While he started 8 games in 2025 (2-6 record, 1,695 yds, 10 TDs) due to injuries, he is highly valued for his mentorship and that is worth gold to a team with a young franchise quarterback.
2. Russell Wilson: The "Championship Mentor"
The 2025 season saw Wilson playing second fiddle to Jaxson Dart in New York, but a vintage 450-yard performance against Dallas proved the "DangerRuss" era isn't entirely over. Wilson signed a one-year, $10.5 million deal with the Giants. Despite a disappointing 2025 season where he was benched, the 37-year-old quarterback has stated he does not intend to retire and plans to play in the 2026 NFL season.
- Why he fits: This is less about the on-field play and more about the locker room. C.J. Stroud is already a superstar, but having a Super Bowl champion and a nine-time Pro Bowler in his ear could be invaluable as the Texans transition from "young upstarts" to "Super Bowl contenders."
- The Catch: Wilson would have to fully embrace the backup role. If he’s willing to be a sounding board for Stroud while staying ready for a playoff relief appearance, he’s the perfect target. If the money is right, having a championship mentor at the helm to guide the Texans' young franchise QB to a Super Bowl will fit nicely.
3. Malik Willis: The "Upside Play"
Willis is the wild card of the 2026 free-agent class. After a "finishing school" stint in Green Bay where he completed over 85% of his passes in limited action, Willis has rehabilitated his image from a "project" to a legitimate "high-upside" reserve. This past season, he played well as a backup to Jordan Love, having a high completing of his passes with 422 yards and 3 TDs in four games, adding 123 rushing yards.
- Why he fits: He’s young (26) and his ceiling is significantly higher than most veterans on the market. If the Texans want to replicate the "Green Bay Model"—developing a high-talent backup to eventually flip for even more draft capital—Willis is the guy.
- The Risk: He still has only six career starts. Relying on him if Stroud goes down for a month is a bigger gamble than a veteran like Mariota.
The Verdict
While rookie Graham Mertz is waiting in the wings, the Texans’ current Super Bowl window is too wide to rely on a sophomore sixth-round pick as the primary backup.
If Houston trades Mills for a 3rd or 4th-round pick, they could use a fraction of those savings to sign a veteran player like Marcus Mariota effectively gaining a draft asset and a veteran mentor for Stroud without losing much (if any) quality at the backup position.
If Mills is traded, Marcus Mariota is the most logical "plug-and-play" fit to ensure the offense doesn't skip a beat.