Texans Receive Surprising Offseason Grade

Sikkema gave the Texans a ‘D’ grade for their work this offseason, stating “It’s hard to look at this offseason as a success for the Texans.” Houston was one of three teams to receive a grade of ‘D’ or worse. Only the New Orleans Saints, graded a ‘D-minus’, received a worse grade.

Of note, Sikkema pointed to the Texans’ offensive line woes as one reasoning behind the grade.

“They already struggled on the offensive line last year, as Laremy Tunsil was their only offensive lineman who earned a PFF overall grade above 70.2, and they traded him away during a pivotal time in C.J. Stroud’s rookie-contract window.”

Stroud was sacked 52 times last season, which ranked second-most among starting signal callers behind Caleb Williams’ 68. The Texans traded Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick to the Washington Commanders in March for a trio of draft picks. 

While Sikkema mentioned the team did improve at wide receiver, and complemented the secondary, he did have another position group concern.

“The team did get better at receiver (ceiling and floor), and the secondary is stacked. But I also have concerns about the Texans' interior defensive line.”

As for wide receiver, Houston acquired Christian Kirk in a trade with the Jaguars in March, and drafted Iowa State studs Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel the following month.

The concerns about the Texans’ interior defensive line, however, are puzzling. Houston returns an entire defensive line that ranked fifth in the league holding opponents to 315-yards per game and tied-for-fourth with 49 sacks.