Texans Linked to Veteran RB Interest in Free Agency

Houston looking to add firepower to their backfield via free agent market

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Houston Texans are reportedly interested in adding a veteran running back through free agency this offseason. According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Texans are among several teams expected to gauge the free agent running back market, with names like Kenneth Walker III, Travis Etienne, Tyler Allgeier, and Rico Dowdle potentially in play. The Texans are looking to upgrade their rushing attack after ranking in the bottom half of the NFL in rushing offense last season.

Why it matters

The Texans' interest in a veteran running back comes as the status of their current starter, Joe Mixon, remains uncertain heading into the 2026 season. Adding a proven free agent runner could help solidify the Texans' backfield and provide a boost to their overall offensive production.

The details

The Texans will need to create some additional salary cap space in order to pursue a top free agent running back, as they are currently projected to be over the cap. Releasing Mixon alone would free up $8 million, but the team will likely need to make other moves to free up more funds. The new league year and free agency period officially begin on March 11, at which point the Texans can actively pursue their running back targets.

  • The Texans are currently projected to be over the salary cap heading into the 2026 season.
  • The new league year and free agency period officially begin on March 11, 2026.

The players

Joe Mixon

The Texans' current starting running back, whose status for the 2026 season remains uncertain.

Kenneth Walker III

A top free agent running back who could be a target for the Texans.

Travis Etienne

Another top free agent running back who could be of interest to the Texans.

Tyler Allgeier

A free agent running back who could be an option for the Texans.

Rico Dowdle

A free agent running back who could be an option for the Texans.

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What they’re saying

“Teams I expect to see gauge the free agent RB market include the Chiefs, Texans and Giants, among others.”

— Dan Graziano, ESPN reporter (ESPN)

What’s next

The Texans will need to create additional salary cap space in order to pursue a top free agent running back, likely through a combination of player releases and contract restructures. Once the new league year begins on March 11, the team can actively engage with free agents and work to add a veteran presence to their backfield.

The takeaway

The Texans' interest in a veteran running back through free agency highlights their desire to improve their rushing attack and provide more stability in the backfield. With the uncertainty surrounding their current starter, Joe Mixon, adding an experienced free agent runner could be a key offseason priority for the team as they look to bounce back in 2026.