Analyzing the Offensive Line Market: Potential Paths for the Texans in Free Agency

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The Houston Texans have already been extremely active ahead of free agency.

In the weeks leading up to the NFL’s legal tampering period — which begins Monday at 11 AM CST — general manager Nick Caserio has made a number of roster and salary cap moves that have reshaped Houston’s outlook for the offseason.

Those moves include several restructures, extensions, releases, trades, and re-signings, all of which can be tracked on the Houston Stressans Transactions Tracker.

Financially, Caserio has been aggressive creating flexibility. At one point earlier this offseason the Texans were projected to be nearly $10 million over the salary cap, but through those moves Houston now sits close to $40 million in available cap space.

It is also worth noting that several restructures were maximum restructures, signaling the Texans may be preparing to be aggressive in free agency if the right opportunities present themselves.

Two additional reminders before the legal tampering period begins:

• Teams are still allowed to re-sign their own players before Monday

• Teams can also sign players who were released by other teams or were already street free agents

We have also already seen a number of players added to the free agent pool through releases across the league.

Houston has already addressed one major need by trading for running back David Montgomery, which helped stabilize the position following Joe Mixon’s injury situation and eventual release.

That leaves offensive line — particularly the interior — as the Texans’ biggest remaining need, especially after the trade that sent Tytus Howard out of Houston. Interior defensive line remains a big one as well, one I will address in a seperate article.

While the re-signing of Trent Brown helps mitigate the immediate need at right tackle, the Texans still need significant help along the interior offensive line.

Below are most of the free agency options available to Houston.

Veteran Value Options (Short-Term Starters)

Kevin Zeitler

For the second year in a row, Kevin Zeitler would be my top preferred target on the interior offensive line.

The 6'4", 340-pound guard has the exact size and physical profile the Texans want on the interior for a downhill run scheme.

Even as he approaches 36 years old entering his 15th NFL season, Zeitler continues to play at a high level and has shown remarkably little regression. He has been one of the most consistent guards in the league for more than a decade and remains reliable in both run blocking and pass protection.

From a scheme standpoint, Zeitler is also a strong fit. Across his career, 42.2% of his run blocking snaps have come in gap schemes compared to 36.6% in zone, meaning he has extensive experience operating in systems similar to what the Texans want to run under Nick Caley and Cole Popovich.

Another benefit is the veteran leadership he would bring to a Texans offensive line room that currently lacks established veterans outside of Trent Brown.

Zeitler has played exclusively at right guard throughout his career, so he likely does not offer positional flexibility, but he would immediately stabilize the interior.

There is also a connection worth noting. Zeitler was a teammate of new Texans running back David Montgomery with the Lions, giving the Texans two players already familiar with each other in Detroit’s offense.

Because of his age, Zeitler could come at a very reasonable price — likely a one- or two-year deal around $9 million per year — allowing Houston to get immediate starting production while still drafting and developing a long-term replacement.

Joel Bitonio

Another veteran option I like quite a bit is Joel Bitonio.

Bitonio brings many of the same qualities as Zeitler — reliability, experience, and physicality in the run game. The 6'4", 320-pound guard has been one of the league’s most consistent interior linemen over the past decade.

Entering his 13th NFL season, Bitonio still plays at a high level and has plenty of experience in gap-heavy run concepts.

Unlike Zeitler, Bitonio has played almost exclusively at left guard, which aligns well with Houston’s need on that side of the line following the departure of Tytus Howard.

He may command slightly more than Zeitler in annual salary, but on a shorter-term deal he could still provide immediate stability and leadership.

Wyatt Teller

Wyatt Teller is another veteran guard who could make sense depending on how the market develops.

The 6'4", 315-pound lineman is entering his ninth NFL season and has played nearly his entire career at right guard, aside from some time at left guard during his rookie season.

Teller had several elite seasons earlier in his career, though his production has dipped slightly over the past two years.

He also has extensive experience in gap-heavy run schemes, which makes him a natural stylistic fit for Houston’s offense.

Greg Van Roten

Greg Van Roten falls into the veteran value category as well.

The 6'3", 305-pound lineman is entering his 11th NFL season and has played significant snaps at both guard spots as well as some center.

However, he is not quite as accomplished as some of the other veteran options on the market.

He also does not have as much experience in gap run schemes, which could make him a less ideal stylistic fit.

Because of that, he would not be one of my preferred options.

Long-Term / Younger Options

David Edwards

If the Texans prefer a player entering the prime of his career, David Edwards is an interesting option.

The 6'6", 308-pound guard spent four seasons with the Rams from 2019–2022, which at least creates some familiarity with offensive philosophies connected to the McVay coaching tree.

Early in his career Edwards played in zone-heavy systems, though later seasons incorporated more gap concepts.

He has primarily played left guard, though he logged some snaps at right guard as a rookie.

Because of his age and upside, Edwards could command a three- or four-year deal at a relatively strong annual value, meaning Houston would need to commit to him long term.

Elgton Jenkins

Another name worth monitoring — depending on how things unfold in Green Bay — is Elgton Jenkins.

Jenkins is currently under contract with the Packers but could become a trade candidate or potential cap casualty. He is entering the final year of a four-year, $68 million deal and carries a cap hit approaching $24 million for Green Bay.

If the Packers decide to move on or restructure their roster, Jenkins could become available either through a release or trade with a new contract extension.

At 6'5", 311 pounds, Jenkins has been one of the more versatile offensive linemen in football over his career. Across his seven NFL seasons, he has played significant snaps at:

• Left guard (his primary position)

• Center (where he played most recently)

• Both tackle spots in rotational roles earlier in his career

  
  

Unfortunately, his 2025 season ended in Week 10 after suffering a broken fibula, which could factor into how teams evaluate him this offseason.

When healthy, Jenkins is a very solid all-around lineman who can contribute in both the run game and pass protection. His positional flexibility would also align with the Texans’ tendency to value offensive linemen who can move across multiple spots.

If he were to become available, the Texans could potentially trade for him and restructure or extend his deal, lowering the immediate cap hit from the current number Green Bay carries.

That scenario may be less likely than traditional free agency options, but Jenkins would certainly be one of the more talented offensive linemen Houston could pursue if he hits the market.

Ed Ingram

Another important name to monitor is Texans pending free agent Ed Ingram.

Houston acquired Ingram last offseason as a low-risk flier, sending a late-round pick to Minnesota. What looked like a depth addition at the time quickly turned into one of the Texans’ better moves of the year.

Ingram stepped in as the starting right guard and had a very strong season, finishing as one of the more productive guards in the league.

A big part of that improvement appeared to come from the scheme change. In Minnesota, Ingram played primarily in zone-heavy systems, where his play was more inconsistent. In Houston’s offense — which incorporated more gap concepts and downhill run schemes — his physical style seemed to translate much better.

Because of that, bringing him back would make a lot of sense.

The challenge will likely be the market.

Early projections have Ingram potentially commanding $15–18 million per year, which could price the Texans out depending on how aggressive they want to be with their cap space.

If his market settles closer to $13 million per year, however, retaining him would likely be a no-brainer move for Houston, especially given his familiarity with the system and the strong season he just had.

The Texans will need to weigh the cost against other options on the market, but Ingram remains one of the more logical internal solutions at right guard.

Isaac Seumalo

Isaac Seumalo is another veteran value option who could make sense depending on how the market develops. The 6'4", 304-pound lineman is entering his 11th NFL season and has been a solid, well-rounded interior offensive lineman throughout his career. He has primarily played left guard but also has experience at right guard, giving some positional flexibility. The only small concern from a fit standpoint is that he has played in heavily zone-based systems for most of his career, so it’s unclear how seamless the transition to a more gap-heavy scheme would be, though his overall skillset suggests he could still make it work.

Cade Mays

Cade Mays represents a younger option with long-term upside.

The 6'6", 325-pound interior lineman has played both center and guard, offering positional flexibility.

He is not quite a dominant top-tier option (like Linderbaum), but his size, youth, and versatility make him intriguing.

Mays could command $11–12 million per year, which makes the evaluation interesting.

While I like the player, I’m personally not quite as high on him as many others are relative to the potential price.

Some of the buzz around him stems from an early report linking him to the Texans, though that report did not appear to be widely corroborated in my opinion.

Regardless, he would be a solid addition — just not necessarily at an overpay.

Premium Option

Tyler Linderbaum

One of the best free agents available on the market — regardless of position — is Tyler Linderbaum.

At center, he would be a home run addition.

There is also a notable connection here. The Texans’ new tight ends coach James Ferentz is the son of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, who coached Linderbaum during his college career.

However, the biggest obstacle is likely the price.

Early projections suggest Linderbaum could command $20 million or more per year, which would make him one of the highest-paid centers in football.

He is generally considered more of a zone scheme center, though that likely would not be a dealbreaker.

The bigger issue is the market. Teams like the Raiders, Giants, and Jets could all be looking for center help, and supply at the position is limited.

Given that the Texans still have Jake Andrews, who is young and has shown some viability, Houston may ultimately decide the price is too high.

Upside / Risk Tier

Alijah Vera-Tucker

Former 14th overall pick Alijah Vera-Tucker is one of the more intriguing upside options.

The 6'5", 308-pound lineman has shown strong play when healthy and offers excellent positional versatility, having played both guard spots and some tackle.

However, durability is a concern.

He tore his triceps in 2023, after tearing the other triceps in 2022, costing him most of both seasons.

Depending on the market, he could either be a worthwhile upside gamble or a risky investment.

James Daniels

James Daniels fits the Texans’ physical profile well at 6'4", 327 pounds.

He is entering his ninth NFL season and has mostly played in zone schemes so far.

Injury history is the biggest concern.

He tore his Achilles with the Steelers two seasons ago, then tore his pectoral muscle after one week with the Dolphins this year.

Like Linderbaum, Daniels also played at Iowa, which creates another Ferentz connection.

Teven Jenkins

Teven Jenkins is an underrated younger option.

The 6'6", 321-pound guard has played both right and left guard, though he has primarily been used in zone blocking schemes.

His frame and play style suggest he could potentially thrive in a gap or duo-heavy scheme.

Jenkins is entering his sixth NFL season and has been a very solid player when healthy.

Because of his age and performance, he could fall into the higher-priced long-term tier.

Veteran Depth Tier

Will Hernandez

Will Hernandez is a viable veteran option who has played both guard spots.

However, he is not necessarily a player who significantly moves the needle for Houston.

John Simpson

John Simpson is another veteran depth option who could be available. The 6'4", 330-pound guard has good size and has shown some flashes during his career, but not consistently enough to be viewed as a true starting upgrade. He has mostly played in zone-heavy schemes, which also makes the fit slightly less ideal for Houston’s more gap-oriented approach. Like Evan Brown and Will Hernandez, he would profile more as depth rather than a needle-moving addition.

Evan Brown

Evan Brown falls into a similar category.

The 6'3", 320-pound lineman can play both guard spots and center and is currently with the Cardinals but could be a potential cut candidate.

Like Hernandez, he offers experience but not necessarily a major upgrade.

Tackle Options

Braden Smith

The Texans have been loosely connected to Braden Smith, a higher-end right tackle.

Smith is entering his ninth NFL season and is a strong all-around lineman who would provide quality run blocking.

However, after the Texans re-signed Trent Brown, this move feels less likely.

Houston may prefer to keep Brown as the starter and address the future at right tackle through the draft.

Still, it remains a possibility.

Taylor Decker

Another notable name entering free agency is Taylor Decker, who was recently released by the Lions.

Decker remains a solid veteran left tackle, and he could command $15 million or more per year on the open market.

While it’s possible the Texans could explore creative ways to make a move like that work, the fit feels less likely given that Houston already brought back Trent Brown and may prefer to address tackle long-term through the draft.

Because of that, Decker is worth mentioning but probably not a primary focus.

Flier / Reclamation Tier

Jermaine Eluemunor

Jermaine Eluemunor is an interesting flier.

The 6'4", 330-pound lineman has mostly played right tackle, though he has also taken snaps at left tackle and right guard.

He could likely be signed in the $8 million veteran range.

Mekhi Becton

Mekhi Becton is a former 11th overall pick whose career has been a roller coaster.

After early struggles and injuries with the Jets, he moved to guard with the Eagles under legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia and played well on a Super Bowl-winning line.

I was high on him as a free agent last year, but his stint with the Chargers did not go well.

Still, at 6'7", 363 pounds, he has the size that could work well in a gap scheme and may be worth a low-cost flier.

Evan Neal

Evan Neal is another potential flier option. The former 7th overall pick is entering his fourth NFL season after a disappointing start to his career with the Giants that has included inconsistent play and multiple injuries. At 6'7", 350 pounds, Neal has rare size and was originally drafted as a tackle, but some teams may view him as a potential guard conversion project. Given the physical tools, he could be worth a low-cost flier to see if a move inside and a different scheme unlocks some of the potential that made him a top draft pick.

Daniel Faalele

Daniel Faalele is another interesting upside option.

The 6'8", 380-pound guard played for the Ravens but struggled at times.

Baltimore’s scheme is more zone-heavy, which may not have suited his size and skillset.

In a downhill gap system, he could potentially look more comfortable.

Brady Christensen

Brady Christensen could be a younger depth option.

The 6'6", 300-pound lineman has limited starting experience but has shown flashes of solid play.

Cole Strange

Cole Strange is another potential reclamation project.

The former first-round pick of the Patriots was drafted while Nick Caley was on the New England staff, creating a possible familiarity connection.

At 6'5", 310 pounds, he has the physical tools but has not yet lived up to expectations.

Center Value Option

Ethan Pocic

If the Texans decide to pursue a veteran center specifically, Ethan Pocic could be one of the more realistic options.

The 6'6", 320-pound center struggled early in his career but played well during a strong three-year stretch before slightly regressing the past two seasons.

While he has taken some snaps at guard, center is where he has played the majority of his career.

Players I’m Less Interested In

Some players available in free agency simply don’t appear to be ideal fits based on performance or scheme considerations.

Zion Johnson

Zion Johnson is another name that could come up in discussions because of his starting experience and former first-round draft status.

However, I’m personally not very high on Johnson based on his play so far in the NFL, and even at a reduced price he could still be valued higher than what I believe his performance warrants.

While he has starting experience and positional versatility, he hasn’t consistently played at the level Houston would likely want from a starting addition along the interior offensive line.

Because of that, he would not be one of my preferred options in this free agent class.

Jawaan Taylor

Jawaan Taylor is another tackle who's available, but he’s not a player I’m particularly high on relative to the likely price. He’s been a solid starter, but the fit doesn’t make much sense for Houston given the current roster, and he would likely be overpriced in my opinion.

Jonah Williams

Jonah Williams is another right tackle who could be available. The former first-round pick has been an okay starter in his career, but I’m not particularly high on him relative to the likely price. Given the Texans’ current roster and other priorities, he doesn’t feel like a strong fit.

Lloyd Cushenberry

Lloyd Cushenberry is another center who recently became available after being released by the Titans. While he has had one or two solid seasons during his career, his overall play has largely been underwhelming and he has also dealt with multiple injuries. Given that track record, he’s not a player I’d be particularly interested in pursuing for Houston.

Cam Robinson

Cam Robinson is another name who's available, but he doesn’t make much sense for Houston. The Texans brought him in last year and he was eventually beat out by Aireontae Ersery before being traded, which likely closes the door on a reunion. Given how things played out and the Texans’ current direction on the offensive line, he’s not a player I’d expect them to pursue again.

Final Thoughts

If it were up to me, the Texans’ primary focus in free agency would be adding two interior guards.

I’m comfortable with Aireontae Ersery and Trent Brown as the bookend tackles for now. That allows Houston to focus its free agency resources where the biggest need truly exists — the interior offensive line.

The center market has also thinned out considerably. With players like Connor McGovern signing elsewhere, Garrett Bradbury joining the Bears, and Ryan Kelly retiring, among others, the remaining options simply don’t justify the type of contracts they may command.

Because of that, I don’t think it makes sense to overpay at center, especially when it’s not the Texans’ biggest need and when the position could be addressed in the NFL Draft with prospects like Sam Hect, Connor Lew, or Pat Coogan, among others.

My preferred approach would be signing proven veteran plug-and-play starters at guard, while continuing to develop younger players behind them through the draft or low-cost fliers.

The benefit of that strategy is flexibility.

In the worst-case scenario, you still have reliable veterans capable of solid to potentially high-level play, which should be at least as good — if not better — than what the Texans had last season.

In the best-case scenario, a rookie or developmental player beats out a veteran and becomes a long-term answer, giving the Texans both immediate stability and future upside.

That approach could also involve a mix of veteran value options and slightly younger long-term players, depending on how the market develops.

The interior offensive linemen I would most target include:

• Kevin Zeitler

• Wyatt Teller

• Joel Bitonio

• David Edwards

• Elgton Jenkins

• Teven Jenkins

• Isaac Seumalo

• Ethan Pocic

• James Daniels

  
  

I would also include Ed Ingram in that group, though I believe he may ultimately be priced too high given projections in the $15–18 million range.

And while Tyler Linderbaum would be an outstanding addition, I also expect his market to climb too high for Houston to realistically compete.

The key point is that the Texans could realistically sign two players from that group, stabilize the interior offensive line immediately, and then address tackle in the NFL Draft rather than overpaying for one in free agency.

After that, Houston could still add a low-cost flier with upside — players like Mekhi Becton, Daniel Faalele, or Brady Christensen — to compete for depth roles and potentially develop into future starters.

Ultimately, there are multiple paths the Texans could take along the offensive line this offseason.

But if they focus on solidifying the interior first, they will give C.J. Stroud the stability and protection and improved run game the offense needs moving forward.