Texans WR Tank Dell Agrees To Reworked Contract

Dell has agreed to a reworked one-year deal worth $1.7MM, per Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti. The new pact includes $1MM in guarantees along with just under $2MM in cap savings for the Texans. Dell was already going to be entering the season as a pending free agent, since 2026 represented the final year of his rookie contract anyway.

The 26-year-old missed all of last season while continuing to rehab the massive leg injury he suffered late in the 2024 campaign. Dell has made progress on that front, although he is not yet at full strength. To no surprise, he was one of the two Houston players moved to injured reserve-designated for return during roster cuts.

“I’d say he’s close,” Texans GM Nick Caserio said (video link) when discussing Dell’s situation. “He is not quite there, which is why he’s in the category that he’s in… I’d say he’s definitely closer now than he was, let’s say in training camp. There’s a little bit more work that remains. Overall, he’s in pretty good spirits. There are certain things we just have to see. Some of this too, is honestly for him mentally to make sure he has enough confidence so that he can go out there and perform the way he’s capable of, the way he knows how to.”

Having Dell back in the fold at some point this season would be critical to Houston’s passing attack. The team will be shorthanded at the receiver spot due to Jayden Higgins’ ACL tear, an injury which prompted several recent moves aimed at finding a replacement. That included the Texans’ recent trade acquisition of Kayshon Boutte. Houston also has Nico Collins in place to reprise his role as the team’s No. 1 receiver, along with Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson in supporting roles.

Dell immediately developed a strong connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud, posting 98 catches and 10 touchdowns in 25 games prior to his injury. He will be counted on to at least serve as a reliable depth option upon returning to action. A strong showing to close out 2026 would help Dell generate a strong market either on a second Texans contract or one sending him to a new team via free agency.