Houston Texans Facing Tough Offseason Decisions

The Texans have several key free agents and trade rumors to navigate this offseason.

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:34pm

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The Houston Texans are facing a critical offseason as they look to build on their 2022 season. The team has several key free agents, including quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been the subject of trade rumors. The Texans also need to address their defensive coaching staff, with one assistant reportedly drawing interest from the Cleveland Browns. Additionally, the Texans will have important decisions to make regarding their roster, including potential cap casualties.

Why it matters

The Texans are in a pivotal stage of their rebuild, and the decisions they make this offseason will have a significant impact on the team's future. Retaining key players, addressing coaching staff needs, and making smart roster moves will be crucial for the Texans as they look to take the next step and become a contender in the AFC.

The details

The Texans have a number of free agents this offseason, including quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has been the subject of trade rumors. The team will need to decide whether to keep Stroud or explore a trade. Additionally, the Texans' defensive coaching staff has drawn interest from other teams, with the Cleveland Browns reportedly eyeing one of the Texans' assistants for their defensive coordinator vacancy. The Texans will also need to make tough decisions on potential cap casualties as they look to optimize their roster.

  • The Texans' 2022 season ended in January 2023.
  • The NFL free agency period begins in March 2023.
  • The 2023 NFL Draft will take place in April 2023.

The players

C.J. Stroud

The Texans' starting quarterback, who has been the subject of trade rumors this offseason.

Cleveland Browns

The Texans' AFC rival, who are reportedly interested in hiring one of the Texans' defensive assistants as their new defensive coordinator.

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What they’re saying

“We've got to make some tough decisions this offseason, but I'm confident in our front office to put us in the best position to succeed.”

— Lovie Smith, Head Coach, Houston Texans (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texans will need to navigate the upcoming free agency period and make key decisions on their roster, coaching staff, and potential trades. Their performance in the 2023 NFL Draft will also be crucial as they look to continue building a competitive team.

The takeaway

The Houston Texans face a critical offseason as they look to build on their 2022 season and take the next step towards becoming a contender in the AFC. The team's decisions regarding free agents, coaching staff, and roster moves will be pivotal in determining the Texans' trajectory for the 2023 season and beyond.