Houston Texans eye offensive line upgrades in free agency

Five veteran options to bolster the Texans' offensive front

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Houston Texans are looking to rebuild their offensive line for the second straight offseason, with several veteran free agent options available to help shore up the unit. The team has four picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft, but could also look to add experienced linemen through free agency to protect quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Why it matters

The Texans' offensive line struggled at times in 2025, and the team has a big hole to fill after trading away starting left tackle Tytus Howard. Upgrading the offensive front is a priority for Houston as they look to build a contender around young QB Stroud.

The details

The Texans could target several veteran free agents to bolster their offensive line, including center Tyler Linderbaum, left tackle Rasheed Walker, right tackle Braden Smith, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and guard Zion Johnson. Each of these players would bring starting experience and stability to the Texans' front five.

  • The Texans traded away left tackle Tytus Howard on Monday.
  • NFL free agency begins next week.

The players

Tyler Linderbaum

A 26-year-old center who was a top 10 player at his position in 2025 with the Baltimore Ravens.

Rasheed Walker

A 26-year-old left tackle who has provided stability on the blindside for the Green Bay Packers.

Braden Smith

A 30-year-old right tackle who has 8 years of starting experience with the Indianapolis Colts.

Alijah Vera-Tucker

A 27-year-old guard who had an impressive 2024 season with the New York Jets before missing all of 2025 with a torn triceps.

Zion Johnson

A 26-year-old guard who was the most consistent player on the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive line in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“If we feel we can upgrade that position, we'll look at it.”

— Nick Caserio, General Manager, Houston Texans (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

The Texans will have to decide whether to target offensive line help through free agency or the upcoming NFL Draft, with a focus on finding the right pieces to protect young quarterback C.J. Stroud.

The takeaway

The Texans' offensive line rebuild is a critical offseason priority as they look to build a contender around their new franchise quarterback. Free agency offers several experienced and talented options to solidify the unit, but Houston will also have to weigh those veteran additions against finding young talent through the draft.