Houston Texans 2026 NFL Season Preview

Offense

C.J. Stroud has arrived at something of a career crossroads. The former NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year clearly has the arm talent and skill, but the 24-year-old’s rocky postseason performance last season (five interceptions, five fumbles, seven total turnovers in two games) was troubling. If the Texans can’t trust their quarterback in the playoffs, how can they move forward as an offense?

Stroud has gotten in much leaner shape this offseason and has maintained a blue-collar strategy with a lot of private throwing sessions. Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans has expressed faith in Stroud, as has the McNair family and general manager Nick Caserio. However, they didn’t commit to him on a long-term basis. Instead, they secured him through 2027 with a $25.9 million fifth-year option. “I’m still growing,” Stroud says. “This ain’t the end of C.J. Stroud. Just going to take my best foot forward.”

The Texans struggled to run the football last year without an injured Joe Mixon, so they traded for power back David “Knuckles” Montgomery, whose downhill presence should make the play-action game more effective. They believe in the former Detroit Lion enough that they signed him to a two-year, $16.5 million extension.

The overhaul of the offensive line was once again dramatic: trading away Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns, signing left guard Wyatt Teller (two years, worth up to $23 million) and right tackle Braden Smith (two years, $25 million) and retaining right guard Ed Ingram (three years, $37.5 million). Feisty offensive line coach Cole Popovich continues to put his stamp on a group that was solid in pass protection last year but awful in run-blocking. Drafting first-round guard-center Keylan “Big Red” Rutledge was emblematic of the gritty style the Texans want from their line.

Wide receiver Nico Collins’ concussion was a big factor in the New England debacle. When Collins is healthy, he’s one of the best overall receivers and contested-catch types in the NFL. Jayden Higgins has similar size to Collins, and his role should increase this year. Slot duties should go to Jaylin Noel, who’s fast and shifty as a route-runner. Tank Dell’s outlook is up in the air due to his ongoing rehab from a serious knee injury he suffered two seasons ago.

Tight end Dalton Schultz is capable as a move-the-chains pass-catcher, but the players behind him have a lot to prove. Marlin Klein, a native of Germany, has size and speed but is inexperienced. Foster Moreau should provide some stability.

Defense

Best defense in the league? Yes, the Texans have earned that distinction. And they’ve arguably improved since last season.

The safety spot opposite Pro Bowler Calen Bullock was an issue last year due to injuries and bad chemistry with an ultimately discarded C.J. Gardner-Johnson. In his place: former Philadelphia team captain Reed Blankenship, a rangy, sound tackler. He’ll complement Bullock, a true center fielder who caused three turnovers in one game against Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen and ran back an Aaron Rodgers interception for a touchdown in the playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The pass rush is elite, headlined by Anderson and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. They combined for 27 sacks, 45 quarterback hits and 35 tackles for a loss in the regular season. Both got new deals.

The run-stopping was stout enough, but the defensive line lacked ideal size. The Texans fortified the middle with 326-pound Ohio State All-America defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, drafting him in the second round to work in tandem with Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai. They also added a tall and active 3-technique in former Tampa Bay Buccaneers second-rounder Logan Hall.

Pro Bowl middle linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair parlayed a strong season into a three-year, $54 million deal. He’s regarded as an extension of Ryans on the field as an emotional, hard-hitting leader and the designated green dot communicator.

Henry To’oTo’o has improved his tackling in an attempt to hold onto his starting job. He faces a challenge from E.J. Speed for playing time.

The Texans boast the top secondary in the league. There’s $90 million All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., who catches and tracks the football better than most receivers. Pro Bowl corner Kamari Lassiter is challenging Stingley for big plays. Jalen Pitre is a big hitter at nickel who memorably helicoptered Kansas City Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice. The third corner shouldn’t be an issue if Jaylin Smith makes a full recovery from a torn meniscus he suffered as a rookie.

Backup safety is competitive between M.J. Stewart, rookie Kamari Ramsey and 2025 sixth-round pick Jaylen Reed. Ramsey can play nickel and should be Pitre’s primary backup.

Specialists

There’s a lot of faith in record-tying placekicker Ka’imi Fairbairn, who landed a two-year, $13 million contract extension after nailing 44 field goals last season. Fairbairn shouldn’t have to kick so frequently this year, if the red-zone offense is even competent. The Texans weren’t satisfied with punter Tommy Townsend, so they let him walk in free agency and are staging a punter competition in training camp after trading for New Orleans Saints punter Kai Kroeger and signing former Syracuse standout Jack Stonehouse. Long-snapping is in good hands with Austin Brinkman, and special teams coordinator Frank Ross’ kick coverage teams are sharp and athletic, especially Jake Hummel and Tremon Smith. Noel is a real threat on punt and kickoff returns.

Final analysis

Bottom line: The Texans have a Super Bowl-caliber defense and an offense that needs to hold up its end of the bargain. The running game is getting an upgrade to take pressure off of Stroud after a shaky postseason. While the Texans are likely to make the playoffs for the fourth year in a row, this is obviously a crucial season for their long-term goals.