Is Davis Mills a valuable quarterback asset or a crucial staple for the Texans? Discover his surprising trade value and potential landing spots for the 2026 offseason.
As the 2026 NFL offseason kicks into high gear, the Houston Texans find themselves in an enviable position. While much of the league is scrambling to find a pulse at the quarterback position, Houston sits comfortably with C.J. Stroud as the face of the franchise and Davis Mills as arguably the premier insurance policy in football.
However, with Mills entering the final year of his contract and carrying a significant price tag for a backup, General Manager Nick Caserio faces a classic "sell high" dilemma. If Houston decides to move their QB2, the return could be more substantial than many realize.
What is Davis Mills Worth?
In a market where the supply of competent signal-callers is perpetually lower than the demand, Mills is a rare commodity: a 27-year-old with 26 starts of NFL experience who has shown he can operate a pro-style system without turning the ball over at a catastrophic rate.
The Contract Factor: Mills is owed roughly $6.3 million in cash for the 2026 season. While high for a backup, it is a bargain for a bridge starter.
The Draft Capital: Industry insiders and analysts, including NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah, suggest that Mills could command a mid-round draft pick. Specifically, a fourth-round selection is the floor for a player of his caliber, with the potential to reach a third-rounder if a bidding war erupts among desperate teams.
Top Landing Spots: Who Should Call Houston?
Mills was once the Texans starter and has gracefully taken a backseat to C.J. Stroud. But does he deserve to be a starter again? Three teams stand out as logical partners for a Mills trade, each needing the stability he provides for different reasons. Let's look at the teams that could potentially use Davis Mills, why they can benefit and the connection fits.
Miami Dolphins: Likely moving on from Tua Tagovailoa and desperately need a "credible plan" for 2026 snaps. New OC Bobby Slowik was Mills' passing game coordinator in Houston and knows his strengths.
New York Jets: After a turbulent year with a Justin Fields/Tyrod Taylor tandem, the Jets need a steady hand for defensive-minded coach Aaron Glenn. The Jets have the draft assets to meet Houston's asking price and are seeking veteran stability.
Minnesota Vikings: Need high-level competition for J.J. McCarthy after a rocky first year for the young starter. Mills offers a "grounded" alternative to the more volatile options currently on the market.
Should Houston Pull the Trigger?
From a roster-building perspective, trading Davis Mills is a gamble. Having a backup who can win games, as Mills did in relief during the 2025 season, is a luxury that keeps a Super Bowl window open even if the starter goes down. I personally like Davis Mills, but the trade block option for him is risky. He is a great backup option if Stroud was to ever go down again.
However, if the Dolphins or Jets offer a 2026 third-round pick, the Texans would have a difficult decision and be hard-pressed to say no. With young developmental pieces like already on the roster, cashing in on Mills' peak trade value might be the "smart" play that helps Caserio continue to surround C.J. Stroud with elite talent.