Texans Analyze Potential Cap Casualties for 2026 Offseason

Houston looks to trim salary cap by cutting ties with several veteran players

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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As the Houston Texans prepare for the upcoming NFL free agency period, the team is evaluating potential cap casualties that could help them save money against the salary cap. The article identifies six players who could be on the chopping block, including running back Joe Mixon, defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr., wide receivers Tank Dell and Xavier Hutchinson, and offensive linemen Jarrett Patterson and Juice Scruggs.

Why it matters

The Texans are looking to retool their roster this offseason, and cutting ties with high-priced veterans could free up valuable cap space to invest in other areas of the team. This analysis provides insight into the team's decision-making process as they navigate the complex landscape of the NFL salary cap.

The details

The Texans could save the most money by releasing running back Joe Mixon, who is set to count $8 million against the cap in 2026. Defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. ($4.4 million in savings), wide receiver Tank Dell ($4 million), and offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson ($3.6 million) are also potential cap casualties. The team may also consider cutting ties with wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson ($3 million) and offensive lineman Juice Scruggs ($1.5 million) to further trim the roster.

  • The Texans are evaluating these potential cap casualties as the NFL free agency period approaches in 2026.

The players

Joe Mixon

A veteran running back for the Texans who could be released to save $8 million against the salary cap.

Mario Edwards Jr.

A defensive tackle for the Texans who could be released to save $4.4 million against the salary cap.

Tank Dell

A wide receiver for the Texans who could be released to save $4 million against the salary cap.

Jarrett Patterson

An offensive lineman for the Texans who could be released to save $3.6 million against the salary cap.

Xavier Hutchinson

A wide receiver for the Texans who could be released to save $3 million against the salary cap.

Juice Scruggs

An offensive lineman for the Texans who could be released to save $1.5 million against the salary cap.

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What’s next

The Texans will continue to evaluate their roster and salary cap situation in the coming weeks as they prepare for the 2026 NFL free agency period.

The takeaway

The Texans are taking a proactive approach to managing their salary cap this offseason, identifying potential cap casualties that could free up valuable resources to invest in other areas of the team. This analysis provides a glimpse into the team's decision-making process as they look to retool and improve their roster for the 2026 season.