Beyond Free Agency: The Other Talent Pool the Texans Will Be Watching Closely
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With free agency approaching, most fans are doing what they always do — scrolling through lists of pending unrestricted free agents and imagining how each name would fit in Houston.
But every offseason, a second wave of talent quietly enters the market.
Players who were never scheduled to be free agents at all.
Veteran cuts.
And if Nick Caserio’s track record tells us anything, this is a market the Houston Texans not only monitor — but actively exploit.
A Hidden Market: OTC’s Cut Candidate List
Over the Cap’s annual Top 100 Possible Cut Candidates list offers a data-driven look at players who could be released before the new league year.
Rather than rumor-based speculation, the projections are built on financial modeling and performance metrics, most notably:
Contract structure and guarantees
Years remaining on deal
Cash owed vs. performance delivered
Key qualifiers for the list typically include players who:
Are owed significant cash in the upcoming season
Have performance valuations below starter-level expectations
Carry a high probability of a “negative contract fate”
Importantly, this is not a list of players who will be cut — only those whose contracts place them at elevated risk.
Many remain with their teams.
But many do not.
What “Contract Fate” Actually Means
OTC’s contract fate model examines thousands of veteran contracts signed since 2011 to determine how they typically end.
Outcomes fall into five buckets:
Terminated (cut before completion)
Pay Cut (renegotiated downward)
Expired (played out as written)
Pay Raise
Extension
The first two outcomes are considered negative for the player.
And historically, the odds strongly favor teams modifying or ending contracts early.
Across all contracts studied:
Over 60% result in a negative fate.
Longer deals are even riskier.
For contracts of three or more years, roughly 70% do not reach completion on their original terms.
Some positions fare worse than others. Running backs, wide receivers, linebackers, and defensive backs are particularly vulnerable due to age curves and replaceability.
Why This Matters for Houston
For the Texans, this pool matters in two distinct ways:
Players who could become available for Houston to acquire
Players currently on Houston’s roster who appear on the list
And just as importantly, there’s a third pathway Caserio has already shown he will use:
Trading for Players Before They’re Cut
Instead of waiting for a release and competing on the open market, teams often trade late-round picks — sometimes as little as a seventh — to secure a player expected to be released.
Houston has done this repeatedly.
Texans Precedent: Acting Before the Market Forms
Joe Mixon
In March 2024, the Cincinnati Bengals were widely expected to release Joe Mixon after signing Zack Moss.
Instead, Houston sent a seventh-round pick to acquire him before he hit free agency.
The Texans then signed Mixon to a multi-year extension, securing cost control without entering a bidding war.
Christian Kirk
A similar scenario unfolded with Christian Kirk.
Jacksonville was expected to release him, but Houston again stepped in with late-round draft compensation to acquire the player outright. This time, the Texans left the contract as is.
In both cases, the Texans:
Avoided competition
Secured targeted fits
Paid minimal acquisition cost
This approach fits perfectly with Caserio’s “win on the margins” philosophy.
Texans Players on OTC’s Cut Candidate List
It’s important to stress that inclusion on this list does not mean the Texans should move on from these players.
This is simply a projection of contracts that carry elevated release risk based on financial structure, performance valuation, and historical trends — not a recommendation or expectation of a specific outcome.
Houston has three players represented on the list.
#17 — Joe Mixon
1 of 2 seasons complete
OTC Valuation vs Starter Median: −$7.8M
Odds of Negative Fate: 57.8%
Mixon’s presence on the list reflects the harsh realities of veteran running back contracts more than his importance to Houston’s offense.
Running backs historically carry some of the highest termination rates of any position.
If released, Houston would incur roughly:
~$2M dead cap
~$8M cap savings
But this decision hinges almost entirely on health.
Caserio has indicated the team will have a clearer picture of Mixon’s recovery timeline this offseason.
When healthy, Mixon proved exactly why Houston targeted him:
True three-down capability
Physical running presence
Playmaking ability to make cutbacks when original play isn't there
Leadership on offense
The Texans’ rushing attack struggled significantly without him.
Ideally, Houston simply runs it back with a fully healthy Mixon in the final year of his deal.
If concerns persist — durability, explosiveness, or recovery — the financial flexibility exists to move on.
#35 — Mario Edwards Jr.
1 of 2 seasons complete
OTC Valuation vs Starter Median: −$4.69M
Odds of Negative Fate: 63.6%
Edwards was signed as a veteran rotational defensive tackle in 2024 and provided solid depth that year.
However, his 2025 season was more up and down and ended in Week 15 with a ruptured pectoral injury.
Given:
Age
Injury recovery timeline
Rotational role
Cap savings potential
He profiles as a legitimate cut candidate strictly from a financial standpoint.
Houston would save roughly:
~$4.4M cap space
~$1M dead cap
Still, Edwards was a useful interior presence when healthy, and defensive line depth remains valuable in DeMeco Ryans’ system.
This decision will likely depend on medical evaluations and offseason roster additions.
Dalton Schultz
2 of 3 seasons complete
OTC Valuation vs Starter Median: −$3.05M
Odds of Negative Fate: 69.1%
Schultz’s inclusion is one of the more surprising entries on the list.
If released pre–June 1, the Texans would incur significant dead money. A post–June 1 designation would spread the cap hit, making it financially more manageable — but only if Houston truly intended to move on.
From a football perspective, a release makes little sense.
Schultz was:
C.J. Stroud’s leading receiver in receptions
A trusted route-adjustment target in a complex offense
One of the few consistently reliable options
A capable blocker, particularly in gap schemes
An offensive leader
In 2023 under Bobby Slowik, Schultz emerged as one of Stroud’s most productive and dependable targets, providing a reliable middle-of-the-field presence for a rookie quarterback.
His drop in production during the 2024 season, also under Slowik, was initially tied to broader offensive struggles — particularly issues executing the wide zone run game that impacted overall efficiency. With the benefit of hindsight, however, much of that decline appears to have stemmed from injuries he played through that were not widely known at the time.
After getting healthier, Schultz delivered a solid 2025 season in Nick Caley’s offense, which restored more route freedom and incorporated adjustments at the line — elements that better suited both his skill set and Stroud’s strengths. The shift toward more gap-scheme concepts in the run game also complemented his blocking ability and helped stabilize the offense.
Schultz did suffer a calf injury in the Divisional Round against New England, but reports indicate the issue was not as severe as initially feared, and he has already returned to the facility.
Unless medical concerns prove more significant than currently believed, retaining Schultz appears far more logical than creating a new void at tight end.
Unless medical concerns prove significant, retaining Schultz appears far more logical than creating a new hole at tight end.
Why Models Don’t Tell the Whole Story
Before diving into potential external targets, it’s important to understand that projection models like Over the Cap’s are indicators of risk — not predictions of outcome.
The Top 100 Cut Candidates list is driven primarily by financial efficiency: how a player’s recent performance compares to what he’s scheduled to earn, combined with historical data on how similar contracts have ended. That makes it an extremely useful tool for identifying pressure points around the league.
But NFL roster decisions are rarely made in a vacuum.
Teams weigh a wide range of factors that models cannot fully capture, including:
Scheme fit
Leadership and locker room value
Injury context and recovery outlook
Positional depth on the roster
Replacement availability
Coaching trust
Long-term team direction
Trade possibilities
Willingness to renegotiate
In many cases, players on this list are not cut at all. Some agree to pay cuts. Others restructure. Some receive extensions that lower cap hits while keeping them with their team. And in certain situations, teams simply absorb inefficient contracts because the player’s role is still too valuable to lose.
There is also another outcome that models cannot predict: trades.
Teams often move players they were unlikely to retain anyway, recouping draft capital while clearing cap space. As Houston has shown in recent years, those players can become attractive acquisition targets before they ever reach the open market.
The list should therefore be viewed as a map of potential movement around the league — not a forecast of specific transactions.
With that context in mind, here are several players from OTC’s Top 100 list who could make sense as Texans targets if they become available, whether through release, trade, or renegotiation.
Running Backs
Houston’s rushing attack took a noticeable step back when Joe Mixon was unavailable, underscoring how important a true early-down presence is to the offense. If the Texans explore alternatives — whether as insurance, competition, or a contingency plan — several running backs on OTC’s list could theoretically become available.
James Conner
If released, I would have little to no interest in Houston pursuing Conner. He appears to be entering the decline phase of his career and is coming off major foot surgery. While there’s some overlap with concerns surrounding Joe Mixon, the situations are different. Conner has significantly more mileage and relies heavily on physical running that may not age well. This would feel like chasing past production rather than projecting future value.
Devin Singletary
Singletary would represent a familiar “break glass in case of emergency” option after his productive 2023 season in Houston. However, bringing him back would likely signal a fallback plan rather than an upgrade. At the right price as depth, it’s defensible — but ideally the Texans aim higher.
Aaron Jones
Jones is another aging veteran who still flashes explosiveness but comes with durability concerns. He could be considered as a late backup option if higher-priority targets fall through and the price drops, but he would not be near the top of the wishlist.
Alvin Kamara
Kamara finds himself in a similar category as the other veteran backs. While still productive, his skill set leans more toward space and receiving work than interior rushing, which is where Houston needs help most. Given age, contract expectations, and fit, this would likely be a pass.
Tony Pollard
Pollard profiles as a solid mid-tier option who could offer good value. He has quietly produced four consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and remains an efficient runner. He wouldn’t represent a marquee acquisition, but as a secondary plan or cost-controlled addition, he makes some sense.
Josh Jacobs
Jacobs would be a home-run acquisition if he somehow became available. He remains a highly productive, physical runner capable of carrying a heavy workload and providing the interior presence Houston’s offense thrives on.
He ranks No. 72 on OTC’s list, with two of four contract years completed, a modest $316,000 valuation above the starter median, and a 64% probability of a negative contract fate.
If acquired via trade, the Texans would be looking at roughly:
~$11 million cap hit in 2026
~$13 million in 2027
Those numbers reflect remaining prorated money absorbed by Green Bay. Houston could also attempt to restructure the deal or wait to see if a release occurs. Of course, all of this assumes the Packers would even consider moving on — far from a certainty.
D’Andre Swift
Swift ranks No. 86 on the list with two of three contract years complete, a valuation $1.7 million above the starter median, and one of the higher negative fate probabilities at 81%.
The Texans reportedly had interest in Swift during the 2024 offseason before ultimately acquiring Joe Mixon. Unlike many names on this list, Swift is still relatively young and coming off a strong season in Chicago under Ben Johnson, rushing for more than 1,200 yards at 4.8 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns.
While he operated primarily in zone concepts with the Ben Johnson, Swift has also had success in gap-based systems earlier in his career. That versatility makes him a viable option both as a trade target and as a free agent if released.
An acquiring team would assume roughly a $7.4 million cap hit for the final year of his deal — a manageable number for a starting-caliber back.
Tight Ends
Unlike some other positions, tight end is unlikely to be an area where Houston trades draft capital for a veteran. Any additions here would more likely come from players released outright, particularly as depth behind Dalton Schultz rather than as a replacement.
Will Dissly
Dissly isn’t a flashy name, but he has long been valued as a physical, assignment-sound blocker who can contribute in specific packages. He offers very little as a receiving threat at this stage, but as a low-cost depth piece for heavy personnel groupings, he could be considered if available at the right price.
Evan Engram
Engram is one of the more recognizable names on the list. He has one of two years remaining on his contract and had a somewhat underwhelming first season in Denver relative to expectations. If acquired via trade, the cap hit would be roughly $8.8 million — likely too steep for a player who would overlap significantly with Schultz’s role.
While Engram has proven to be a legitimate receiving threat and has shown improved blocking at times during his career, age, cost, and redundancy make him a questionable fit for Houston.
Dawson Knox
Knox represents a reliable veteran option who does many things well without being elite in any single area. He can contribute as both a pass catcher and blocker, but given the likely acquisition cost relative to his impact, he may not represent the most efficient direction for the Texans to pursue.
Colby Parkinson
Parkinson profiles similarly to Dissly — a bigger-bodied tight end whose value comes primarily as a blocker and situational contributor rather than a featured receiving weapon. His familiarity with Nick Caley from their time together with the Rams in 2024 adds a layer of comfort, making him a plausible depth target at a low cost.
Cole Kmet
Kmet is a younger option compared to most players on this list and brings a well-rounded skill set without necessarily excelling in any single facet. He offers size and reliability, but it’s unclear whether his expected market value or role would align with Houston’s needs, especially with Schultz already entrenched as the starter.
Hunter Henry
Henry enjoyed a productive 2025 season in New England, recording 69 receptions for 880 yards while operating in a scheme under Josh McDaniels that shares conceptual similarities with systems many Texans coaches have experience in. He would likely compete with Schultz for targets rather than simply complement him, and his expected price tag could exceed what Houston would typically allocate to a secondary tight end.
That said, if the cost came down, Henry could still make sense. His skill set would allow the offense to lean more heavily into two-tight-end personnel groupings, creating matchup flexibility in both the passing game and run game. In that scenario, he wouldn’t just duplicate Schultz’s role — he could expand the playbook and provide another reliable option over the middle.
T.J. Hockenson
Hockenson remains one of the league’s more productive receiving tight ends, capable of serving as a focal point in the passing game. However, he is not known as a dominant blocker, and the financial commitment required would likely be significant. While talented, he may not align with Houston’s current roster construction or priorities at the position.
Offensive Line
Offensive line depth — and potentially upgrades — remains one of the more realistic areas Houston could address through veteran acquisition. Several centers and guards on OTC’s list could become available depending on how their current teams approach cap management.
Tyler Biadasz (C)
Biadasz ranks No. 64 on the list with two of three contract years completed and a 65.5% probability of a negative fate. From Washington’s perspective, a release would most likely come with a post–June 1 designation to maximize cap savings.
Post–June 1 trades are less common, but if a pre–June 1 deal were somehow reached, the acquiring team could absorb Biadasz at a very manageable cap number. Even if a trade never materializes, he would profile as one of the stronger center options on the market if released.
Jake Andrews showed promise and was essentially operating in what amounted to a rookie season, but adding competition or depth at center would still be a sensible move for a team looking to stabilize the interior.
Ryan Kelly (C)
Kelly comes in at No. 38 with one of two contract years completed and a 56.9% negative fate probability. If acquired via trade, the cap hit for the new team would be roughly $8.3 million for 2026.
A proven, steady presence in the middle, Kelly would represent an immediate upgrade and leadership addition. Whether via trade for late-round compensation or as a free-agent signing if released, this is a move that would make a great deal of sense — assuming Minnesota would be willing to cooperate.
Elgton Jenkins (LG)
Jenkins carries one of the highest negative fate probabilities on the list at 78.6%, and his contract structure makes it easy to see why.
A release would save Green Bay roughly $19.5 million in cap space while incurring only about $4.8 million in dead money, a highly favorable outcome for a team looking to reallocate resources. That type of savings makes him a legitimate candidate to become available.
Despite the financial logic, Jenkins remains a proven, versatile interior lineman capable of playing at a high level. He sustained a fractured fibula late in the year last year, but it shouldn't have too much of an affect on his 2026 season. If he were released, he would immediately become one of the more attractive guard options on the market and could draw significant interest across the league.
For Houston, he would represent a solid option on the interior, though his price in free agency would likely be somewhat substantial. Trade option still in play here as well.
Mekhi Becton (RG)
Becton ranks as a potential buy-low candidate. After a disappointing season with the Chargers, his stock has fallen, but he previously revitalized his career by moving from tackle to guard and playing a key role on Philadelphia’s Super Bowl-winning offensive line.
At his size, Becton fits the physical interior profile Houston has prioritized. If released, his value could be at an all-time low, making him a worthwhile flyer with significant upside if he regains form.
James Daniels (G)
Daniels has already been released and is currently a free agent. Injuries — including an Achilles tear followed by a pectoral injury in consecutive seasons — have clouded his outlook, but when healthy, he has demonstrated high-end level starting ability.
As a depth signing with upside, he fits the mold of a potential bounce-back candidate. If he returns to form, he could provide value similar to other reclamation projects who thrived after a change of scenery — a classic buy-low, high-reward scenario.
Defensive Tackle / Interior Defensive Line
This is one of the more intriguing position groups on the list — and one that matters significantly for Houston. The Texans have several pending free agents along the defensive line, including Sheldon Rankins, Tim Settle Jr., Foley Fatukasi, Naquan Jones, Denico Autry, and potentially Mario Edwards Jr. depending on roster decisions.
In my previous analysis of Houston’s own free agents, I placed Denico Autry in the medium-to-high priority tier to re-sign — not an automatic must-retain, but still valuable. The reason he didn’t land in the highest category is because of the caliber of potential replacement options that could become available.
Autry provides rare versatility along the defensive front. At 6'5", 285 pounds, he can function as a rotational edge defender on early downs while sliding inside as an interior pass rusher in obvious passing situations. He brings power, length, and physicality, along with impact on special teams where his size and explosiveness can disrupt kicks or at least affect the operation.
Several players on the cut-risk list offer similar body types and usage profiles.
Arik Armstead
Armstead is perhaps the closest stylistic comp to Autry among potential options. At 6'7", 290 pounds, he offers the same inside-outside versatility and length-driven disruption. He also has deep familiarity with DeMeco Ryans’ defensive philosophy from their time together in San Francisco (2015–2023), as well as experience in the broader Saleh-style defensive tree.
Armstead was widely believed to be a Texans target in the 2024 offseason before ultimately signing with Jacksonville, likely because of contract value. If he becomes available now, the financial barrier could be significantly lower, making a reunion with Ryans far more plausible.
Based on his contract structure, a post-June 1 release would create the most financial benefit for Jacksonville, which aligns with how veteran contracts of this type are typically handled.
DeForest Buckner
Buckner represents another high-end interior option with positional flexibility. At roughly 6'7", 295 pounds, he has the size and power to anchor inside while also possessing the athleticism to rush from multiple alignments.
Houston is extremely familiar with Buckner as a divisional opponent, having faced him regularly during his tenure in Indianapolis. His ability to collapse the pocket from the interior has consistently been a problem for opposing offenses.
His contract situation similarly suggests that a post-June 1 move would be the cleanest financial path for the Colts, though a trade cannot be ruled out if Indianapolis prefers compensation rather than a pure cap maneuver.
If available at a reasonable cost, Buckner would represent a significant upgrade to Houston’s interior pass rush while maintaining the scheme versatility DeMeco Ryans values.
Calais Campbell (Free Agent)
While not part of the cut-risk group, Calais Campbell deserves mention as a potential alternative option in the same role. Even at his age, Campbell has remained productive and impactful, continuing to defy the typical decline curve for interior defenders.
At 6'8", 282 pounds, he offers a similar inside-outside flexibility to players like Autry and Armstead. Campbell can align as a base defensive end on early downs, reduce inside as a pass rusher in sub packages, and use his length to disrupt throwing lanes — an element that has long been a hallmark of his game.
Beyond on-field production, Campbell would bring elite leadership, professionalism, and locker-room presence to a defensive front that has emphasized culture under DeMeco Ryans. His size and timing also make him a factor on special teams, particularly on field goal and extra point units.
The primary considerations would be cost, role acceptance, and snap management at this stage of his career. As a rotational piece rather than a full-time starter, however, Campbell could still provide meaningful value in the exact type of hybrid role Houston has utilized players like Autry in.
Javon Hargrave (IDL)
Hargrave is another veteran interior option who could help bolster the Texans’ defensive tackle rotation. Now with Minnesota, he still offers disruptive interior pass rush ability along with alignment flexibility across the interior — primarily as a penetrating 3-technique, but with enough strength to slide into 2i or even occasional 1-tech alignments in sub packages.
From a cap perspective, a trade appears to provide the Vikings with the most immediate relief, though a pre-June 1 release is also plausible. For Houston, however, the cleanest scenario would be if Hargrave were released post-June 1, allowing an acquiring team to avoid the bulk of the existing cap charge tied to his current deal.
If acquired via trade or early release, the remaining contract would likely be too expensive relative to his projected role. But if he reaches the market after June 1, he could become an appealing veteran addition as a situational interior rusher and rotational piece.
Daron Payne (IDL)
Daron Payne is another potential fit for Houston’s interior defensive line, though the pathway would most likely be via trade rather than free agency. Acquiring him in a trade could allow the Texans to absorb a cap number lower than his current top-line figure in the final year of his deal, while also giving Washington meaningful relief. A release — particularly at a discount — is also possible, though less certain given his pedigree.
A former first-round pick with a recognizable name, Payne has been productive at times but has not consistently performed at a level commensurate with his contract. That said, his power, size, and interior disruption ability could be maximized in DeMeco Ryans’ defensive system, which has historically gotten strong production from penetrating defensive tackles.
Ultimately, this is a move that would hinge almost entirely on price. Given the Texans’ flexibility and the number of alternative options available at the position, Houston would likely only pursue Payne if the acquisition cost — both in draft capital and cap commitment — aligned clearly with his projected role.
Grover Stewart (IDL)
Grover Stewart is another interior option who could fit Houston’s defensive front. Like Javon Hargrave, he offers alignment versatility across the interior, capable of playing 1-tech, 2-tech, and 3-tech depending on the situation. As a longtime division opponent, Stewart is very familiar with the Texans — and DeMeco Ryans is equally familiar with his strengths and limitations.
Financially, Stewart profiles as one of the more likely release candidates. Indianapolis could save roughly $12.25 million against the cap while incurring only about $2 million in dead money, making a cut a very plausible outcome.
If he reaches free agency, however, price will be the determining factor. Ryans’ defenses have not historically allocated significant resources to veteran interior defensive linemen on the open market, instead relying on rotation, development, and scheme fit to generate production. Stewart would make sense as a sturdy run defender and interior presence — but only if the contract aligns with Houston’s typical spending philosophy at the position.
Harrison Phillips (IDL)
Harrison Phillips projects as one of the cleaner release candidates among veteran interior defensive linemen. The Jets could move on with zero dead money while saving roughly $7.5 million against the cap, making a cut financially straightforward.
Phillips is a true veteran interior presence with experience lining up primarily at 3-technique, though he also offers enough strength and discipline to slide along the interior depending on front structure. He brings reliability, physicality, and a high-motor style that defensive coaches typically value in rotation players.
If released, he would likely command a reasonable contract relative to other veteran options, making him a logical target from a financial standpoint for Houston. As with many interior defenders on this list, the key question would not be fit — he would fit fine — but whether the price aligns with the Texans’ historically measured spending on veteran defensive tackles under DeMeco Ryans.
Maliek Collins (IDL)
Maliek Collins is a familiar name for Texans fans, having played in Houston during the 2023 season under DeMeco Ryans. Primarily a penetrating 3-technique defensive tackle, Collins also logged snaps shaded over the tackle, giving him useful alignment flexibility along the interior.
His familiarity with Ryans’ defensive philosophy and terminology could make a potential reunion relatively seamless. Collins brings quickness, interior pass-rush ability, and veteran reliability — traits that fit well in rotational roles.
It is unclear whether Cleveland will ultimately move on, as his contract does not present the most obvious financial incentive for a release compared to other candidates. However, if he were to become available, Collins would profile as a relatively affordable, quality depth option who already understands the system and could contribute immediately.
Other Positions (Depth Targets)
While not primary areas of need, several players at other positions could become available and offer useful depth or situational contributions if the Texans choose to supplement the roster beyond their main priorities.
Blake Cashman (LB)
Cashman could emerge as a cap casualty for Minnesota despite a strong track record in Houston. He enjoyed a breakout season in 2023 under DeMeco Ryans, a performance that helped earn his subsequent contract with the Vikings.
With one year remaining on his deal, Minnesota could create significant savings by moving on. A post–June 1 release would free roughly $7.6 million in cap space while carrying only about $1.5 million in dead money, making the decision financially attractive.
For Houston, Cashman would represent a familiar and scheme-proven option. His speed, range, and understanding of Ryans’ defensive system would allow him to contribute immediately as a rotational linebacker, special teams asset, or even compete for starting snaps depending on roster composition.
If available at a reasonable price, he could be a high-value depth addition with upside well beyond a typical backup role.
Darnell Mooney (WR)
Wide receiver is not an obvious area of need for Houston, but there are enough variables to justify monitoring potential veteran additions. Christian Kirk is entering free agency, Tank Dell is returning from injury and cannot be assumed to be immediately back to full form, and the team’s usage of younger options like Jaylin Noel suggests they may continue to ease players into larger roles rather than forcing them into the lineup.
Houston has also shown a tendency to add a veteran slot receiver in recent offseasons, making another move at the position plausible if the price is right.
Mooney profiles primarily as a Z receiver with vertical ability, but his snap history includes meaningful time in the slot, giving him alignment flexibility. That versatility would allow him to complement the existing receiver group rather than directly duplicate any single role.
He appears to be a potential post–June 1 release candidate in Atlanta. If cut, his market value could land slightly higher than what Houston typically allocates for a depth receiver, but he remains a viable option depending on how the Texans evaluate their current room and injury outlook.
Demarcus Robinson (WR)
Robinson is another potential veteran receiver who could become available and would likely come at a much lower cost than many other options. After spending the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Rams, he has direct familiarity with Nick Caley’s offensive approach, which could make for a smooth transition if Houston pursued him.
Like Mooney, Robinson primarily operates as a Z receiver but has logged enough snaps in the slot to provide alignment flexibility. He is not a true full-time slot option, but his ability to move across formations would allow the offense to maintain versatility depending on personnel packages.
Robinson also fits the more physical receiver profile that Caley’s offense appears to value — particularly in terms of run blocking and playing through contact. That trait becomes increasingly important in an offense that leans on condensed formations, motion, and the run game to create favorable matchups.
If released by San Francisco, Robinson would profile as a low-risk veteran addition who could provide depth, experience, and scheme familiarity without requiring a significant financial commitment.
Closing Thoughts
Free agency is only part of the offseason puzzle. Each year, a wave of veteran releases reshapes the market, creating opportunities for teams willing to act quickly and strategically. With Nick Caserio’s history of winning on the margins — whether through trades, value signings, or short-term deals — the Texans are well positioned to capitalize on this secondary talent pool.
Not every name on this list will become available, and not every available player will make sense for Houston. But as roster decisions unfold across the league, this group represents a collection of potential options that could help fill needs, add depth, or provide contingency plans without overpaying in free agency.
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