Following the 2026 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans are looking to enhance their roster through free agency, particularly in positions like running back and defensive line. General manager Nick Caserio may target former players or explore new options to fill these gaps.
Key points
Texans added eight rookies in the 2026 NFL Draft
Team needs to improve running back and defensive line positions
General manager Nick Caserio may target former players
Depth on defense and backfield remains a concern
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Houston Texans
David Montgomery
So, what else do the Houston Texans need to add ahead of the 2026 regular season?
With the 2026 NFL Draft over, the Texans can feel content with the eight new rookies to the roster, along with several surprising finds as undrafted free agents. Several positions, including offensive line and safety, should feel complete because of the names added.
Other positions, like running back, defensive end and defensive tackle, might need a sprucing up via the open market.
With the draft in the rear, this is the moment where NFL teams will start looking toward the second wave of free agency to address roster needs. Houston still has needs for depth on defense and could even be looking to address the depth in the backfield behind newly signed David Montgomery.
It shouldn't come as a surprise to see general manager Nick Caserio target the free agents who previously played wth Houston in the past. Then again, he could be looking at the big picture to sign other outside options as promising areas to address the woes.
Here are 12 free agents who are still unsigned that could be a welcomed addition to the roster:
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Dec 14, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Derek Barnett (95) in action during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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Barnett was a beloved No. 3 pass rusher behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter for the past two seasons, totaling 10 sacks in 22 games. He knows the defense, so why not give him a ring and offer another one-year prove-it deal?
Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa watches the offensive line on the field during second half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa watches the offensive line on the field during second half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
Bosa has only recorded 10 sacks in the past two seasons with Los Angeles and Buffalo. He turns 31 this summer and might be looking at another one-year deal as a rotational option on a roster built to win the Super Bowl. Houston, which needs a veteran No. 3 defensive end, fits the criteria on the defensive side for sure.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (42), Sunday, January 4, 2026, in East Rutherford.
A reunion with the former No. 1 overall pick? Clowney has carved out a pretty impressive career after leaving Houston in 2019, mostly serving as a secondary edge rusher. Last season in Arlington, the 33-year-old had 8.5 sacks, so he’s still got enough left in the tank and can bolster any defensive line. The only question here would be if there's still a bitterness by the former South Carolina star toward the franchise that never locked him up on a long-term extension.
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) participates in pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dec 21, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs (7) participates in pregame warmups against the Los Angeles Chargers at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Surprisingly, Houston could use another cornerback for depth purposes behind Kamari Lassiter and Derek Stingley Jr. Diggs suffered a torn ACL in 2024, marking another season-ending injury in his short NFL career. He was also sidelined for most of the second half of last season and was later claimed off waivers by the Packers for the postseason. He's a talented player who could be looking for a prove-it contract, but Diggs is going to half to take a pay cut to play in Houston. This deal might come down to money, regardless of where he lands.
Dec 1, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) during the game against the New England Patriots at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Could it actually happen? It’s clear that Hopkins, who turns 34 in June, is no longer the All-Pro who set Houston's offense ablaze for seven seasons, but there's still a role for him somewhere as a secondary receiver. The Texans are built now to compete, but would the former Pro Bowl return to his old stomping grounds?
Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans high fives Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Sep 15, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans high fives Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
This one seems like the most sure-fire thing to happen. Ogunbowale is beloved by special teams coach Frank Ross and has a great rapport in the locker room as a third option. He should receive a phone call before training camp rolls around.
Oct 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) runs for a gain past Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin (38) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Oct 5, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans running back Nick Chubb (21) runs for a gain past Baltimore Ravens cornerback Keyon Martin (38) during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Would Chubb want an even more diminished role behind a veteran running back? While the Pro Bowler has taken a massive step back in his career, Chubb still managed to rush for 506 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games while eventually becoming a No. 2 option. He could at least make the roster as a No. 3 or No. 4 option.
Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders outside linebacker Von Miller (24) and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) pose for a picture after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Sep 21, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders outside linebacker Von Miller (24) and Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) pose for a picture after their game at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Miller won't come cheap, since he'll live off his Hall of Fame resume, but perhaps the Texans could convince him to strap it up on a team built to go back to the big dance as a situational pass-rusher. Last season in D.C., the Canton-bound edge rusher totaled 9.5 sacks and played in all 17 games. Even at 37, he's still got something left in the tank.
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel (1) makes a catch during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Is there still value for the gadget-type slot receiver in the NFL? Samuel’s trade from the Bay never found a rapport last season with Jayden Daniels and company. He was productive, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns, but it seemed like he was a limited threat outside of taking balls to the house in the slot. Given that the Texans have no idea what they're getting in Tank Dell, the fit could be interesting, especially since the offensive approach is similar under Nick Caley to what Kyle Shanahan called back in his All-Pro days.
