Breaking Down the Texans Offseason with Seth Payne

We are less than a month away from the start of NFL Free Agency and the Pro Days leading up to the NFL Draft.

Significant changes are expected for the Houston Texans. I spoke with former defensive tackle Seth Payne, one of the original Texans, to get his insights on the team as they approach the 2025 season.

Check out Seth on the X App @SethCPayne and listen to Payne and Pendergast on Sports Radio 610 in Houston.

Craig: Of course the Texans are fresh off their new OC hire. What would you like to see happen with this offense now?

Seth: Moving away from an outside zone run based philosophy is the first course of order. I think Jarret Patterson and Juice Scruggs both have upside at center, but they're probably not athletic enough to do some of the things you need your center to do in that system. We saw success at the end of the year with inside zone and other runs that are more about getting movement with the big guys up front, and I think they can build on that.

Craig: How would you go about correcting the offensive line?

Seth: I'm intrigued by Tytus Howard at guard, as long as Blake Fisher builds and improves on his rookie year. I think Blake is capable of that. Tytus had previously resisted any notion of playing guard permanently, but his tone seemed to change by the end of the season. First and foremost, they need to bring in somebody at right guard.

Craig: Is there any scenario in which you’d see Stefon Diggs returning?

Seth: Because of the way Diggs' contract is structured, it makes a lot more financial sense to restructure his deal and retain him than to bring in a similar wide receiver in free agency. The question is whether he really wants to test the market or finds the Texans' offer reasonable. If the two sides can't come to an agreement before his guarantees hit, I think the Texans will make him a free agent and focus elsewhere.

Craig: What is the ceiling for Nico Collins? Could he one day lead the NFL in receptions and touchdowns for a season?

Seth: The only thing limiting Nico moving forward is his health. He was the only guy on the offense who seemed immune to defensive coordinators and Bobby Slowik.

Craig: What should the Texans do in free agency? Would Myles Garrett be a good fit?

Seth: The Texans are already in great shape at the money positions: CB, DE, WR1, QB. For me, I'd rather see them spend their money on filling out the less glamorous positions. OG, DT, WR2. WR2 is still pretty glamorous, but you get my point.