Texans Weigh Offensive Free Agent Decisions

Houston must decide which key offensive players to re-sign or replace this offseason

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:07am

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The Houston Texans have several important offensive free agents to address this offseason, including wide receiver Brandin Cooks, running back Nick Chubb, and offensive linemen Kenyon Green and Tytus Howard. The team will need to carefully evaluate whether to re-sign these players or seek replacements in free agency and the draft.

Why it matters

The Texans are still seeking their first AFC Championship appearance, and their free agent decisions on offense could be crucial in taking the next step. Retaining key starters like Green and Howard could provide continuity, while replacing aging veterans like Chubb could inject new life into the backfield.

The details

The Texans have the ninth most free agents heading into the 2026 offseason, with eight of their 23 free agents on the offensive side of the ball. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks had a down year in 2025 but stepped up in the playoffs, while running back Nick Chubb is a future Hall of Famer but has shown signs of decline. On the offensive line, Kenyon Green had a breakout year and is a priority re-sign, while Tytus Howard elevated the line's play before an injury. The team will need to weigh the costs and benefits of retaining these key players versus seeking replacements.

  • The Texans have the ninth most free agents heading into the 2026 offseason.
  • The Texans' defensive free agents will be outlined next Monday.

The players

Brandin Cooks

A wide receiver who had a career-low year in 2025 but stepped up in the playoffs when Nico Collins was injured.

Kenyon Green

An offensive lineman who had a breakout year in 2025 and is a priority re-sign for the Texans.

Nick Chubb

A future Hall of Fame running back who has shown signs of decline and may not be worth a second contract with the Texans.

Tytus Howard

An offensive lineman who elevated the Texans' line play before an injury, and could be re-signed as a depth/short-term piece.

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What they’re saying

“While the offense has more room for improvement, they will need to decide whether to resign the below players or let then test the market.”

— Kenneth Levy, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Texans will need to carefully evaluate their offensive free agents and decide which players to re-sign or replace this offseason.

The takeaway

The Texans' free agent decisions on offense could be crucial in their pursuit of their first AFC Championship appearance. Retaining key starters like Kenyon Green and Tytus Howard could provide continuity, while replacing aging veterans like Nick Chubb could inject new life into the backfield.