Beyond stars, Houston quietly invests in nine "futures" players, betting on developmental continuity and affordable depth to sustain future success.
The dust has barely settled on the Houston Texans’ 2025 campaign, a season that saw a gritty 12–5 record and a hard-fought Wild Card win over the Steelers, only to end in the chilly reality of Foxborough during the Divisional Round. While the headlines today are dominated by the impending "megadeals" for C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans quietly spent Tuesday reinforcing the foundation.
By signing nine players to Reserve/Future contracts, the Texans aren't just filling out a summer roster; they are placing bets on developmental continuity in an era where depth is the only true currency in the NFL.
The Return of the Familiar
Among the nine signees, the name Solomon Byrd stands out. A 2024 seventh-round pick who has spent more time on the practice squad than the active roster, Byrd’s retention is a testament to the Texans’ belief in their own scouting. In a league that often treats late-round picks as disposable, Houston is choosing to double down on his 6'3", 250-pound frame.
Byrd isn't alone. The list is a mix of homegrown projects and intriguing external "scraps":
- The Trenches: Center, Eli Cox (Kentucky) and Guard, Sidy Sow (Eastern Michigan) provide essential insurance for an offensive line that, despite the team's success, remained a point of concern throughout 2025.
- The Speed: WRs Josh Kelly and Jared Wayne offer a look at the future of the receiving corps. With veteran turnover expected this offseason, these two represent the "low-risk, high-reward" archetype Caserio loves.
- The Defensive Core: Defensive Tackle, Junior Tafuna and Linebacker, Xavier Thomas are classic "DeMeco guys"—high-motor players who will be asked to eat up snaps in August to prove they belong in the rotation.
Why It Matters: The "Stroud Tax"
As C.J. Stroud enters his fourth year in 2026, his price tag is about to explode, possibly. When you contemplate paying a franchise quarterback $50M+ per year, you lose the luxury of signing mid-level veteran free agents to fill out the bottom of your roster.
These nine players, including Tight End, Luke Lachey and Safety Kaevon Merriweather, are the Texans’ attempt to find solid affordable talent to fill the roster. If even two of these "futures" players develop into reliable special teamers or rotational depth, it frees up millions of dollars to keep the stars in Houston.
The Outlook
Signing Jared Wayne or Eli Cox won't sell many jerseys in January, but it reflects a front office that isn't tilting after a playoff loss. While fans are clamoring for a splashy replacement for Joe Mixon or a new LT, the Texans are busy making sure they don't have to start from scratch when training camp opens.
Success in the AFC South isn't just about who has the best quarterback, it’s about who is still standing in Week 17. By locking in these nine names today, Houston is ensuring that when the injuries inevitably strike next fall, they’ll have players who already know the playbook, the culture, and the expectations.