Texans Team Notes

[Houston Texans]

Texans fans, this is an automated news feed that shares what's going on with Houston football.

 

[Houston Texans]

Nico Collins is ready for the 2025 season to begin after the Houston Texans failed to reach the Super Bowl in 2024.

Collins, the Texans’ star receiver, saw a similar ending to his breakout 2023 campaign amid C.J. Stroud’s second season. A 10-7 finish in the regular season led to a playoff win at home.

That led to a loss in the divisional round against the top-seeded roster in the AFC despite it being a one-score game entering halftime.

Collins plans to attack the offseason in stride. This year might have gone south, but it’s more because of the talent lost rather than the loss of internal belief.

“Due to a lot of injuries, we kind of went down,” Collins said Friday on NFL Network’s The Insiders.”But I feel like we have the right pieces, the right people, the right coaches in the right positions. I feel like we know what type of guys we have in the locker room and we know where we want to go. I feel like the main thing is [we] just got to be healthy.”

Houston was banged up, mainly at receiver. After trading for two-time All-Pro Stefon Diggs, the Texans believed a trio of Collins, Tank Dell and the newly acquired Pro Bowler would give the franchise perhaps the top receiver room.

Nico Collins on the Texans reaching a Super Bowl:

“We right there man, just one game away…We gotta figure it out, & I feel like we will. I ain’t Stressan about it.”

If Nico ain’t Stressan, I ain’t Stressan!!

pic.twitter.com/Iis05bBvUl

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) February 8, 2025

Instead, Diggs lasted eight games before suffering a torn ACL. Dell, who suffered a season-ending injury last fall, lacked his signature explosiveness before suffering another lower-body injury that will keep him out for most of next season.

Even Collins was hurt after a hot start. During Week 5’s victory over the Buffalo Bills, the Pro Bowler left in the first quarter with a hamstring injury and missed the next five games while on the injured reserve.

The offensive woes led to Bobby Slowik’s firing following last month’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Enter new play-caller Nick Caley from the Los Angeles Rams and the passing attack should be more productive.

“I don’t know much about Nick Caley, but I know from his previous years at the Rams, they had a great offense, explosive offense. Just watching Puka, Kupp go crazy.. I’m assuming it’s gunna be that same way when he comes.”

Can’t wait to see how Nick Caley uses Nico Collins. pic.twitter.com/7jaRMJCyj8

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) February 8, 2025

“It’s gonna be a great year for us,” Collins said. “New OC, but I feel like we’ve got the same guys, same mindset, come in ready to work. Can’t wait to meet him, get ready for OTAs, learn the playbook and get going.”

Collins said that losing in Arrowhead for a second time in less than six weeks left a bitter taste among players.

“We left a bad taste in our mouth leaving K.C.,” Collins said. “We know what it takes. We know what we got to do to make that next jump.”

The team is looking to progress rather than stay idle. The fifth-year pro is confident his squad is built to continue their success moving forward.

“I’m not stressing,” Collins said. “I love this team. I love the guys.”

Source

 

[Houston Texans]

Updated 2025 NFL draft order after Super Bowl

The Houston Texans now know when they’re on the clock.

With the 2024 season officially over, all 32 picks of the 2025 NFL draft order have been finalized.

The Texans will pick at No. 25 following their divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Meanwhile, the Tennessee Titans are now on the clock following a nine-point loss to Houston while donning the Oilers uniforms.

Here’s an updated look at the 2025 NFL draft order following Philaldelphia’s Super Bowl win over Kansas City courtesy of the folks at Tankathon:

2025 NFL Draft first-round order​

1. Tennessee Titans (3-14)

2. Cleveland Browns (3-14)

3. New York Giants (3-14)

4. New England Patriots (4-13)

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-13)

6. Las Vegas Raiders (4-13)

7. New York Jets (5-12)

8. Carolina Panthers (5-12)

9. New Orleans Saints (5-12)

10. Chicago Bears (5-12)

11. San Francisco 49ers (6-11)

12. Dallas Cowboys (7-10)

13. Miami Dolphins (8-9)

14. Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

15. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

16. Arizona Cardinals (8-9)1

17. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)

18. Seattle Seahawks (10-7)

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (10-7

20. Denver Broncos (10-7)

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)

22. Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

23. Green Bay Packers (11-6)

24. Minnesota Vikings (14-3)

25. Houston Texans (10-7)

26. Los Angeles Rams (10-7)

27. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)

28. Detriot Lions (15-2)

29. Washington Commanders (12-5)

30. Buffalo Bills (13-4)

31. Kansas City Chiefs (15-2)

32. Philadelphia Eagles (14-3)

The Texans finished the season with an 11-8 record. Meanwhile, Kansas City returned to the Super Bowl and tried to complete the three-peat, yet fell short Buffalo, which secured a 27-25 win over the Ravens Sunday evening, will try to pull off the upset in Arrowhead.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/09/updated-2025-nfl-draft-order-after-super-bowl/

 

[Houston Texans]

Chiefs WR DeAndre Hopkins reunites with Texans before Super Bowl LIX

DeAndre Hopkins will forever be remembered in a positive light for the Houston Texans despite his unharmonious exit in a trade that shocked the NFL world.

The All-Pro receiver might never be in good standing with former Texans coach Bill O’Brien after he was shipped off to the Arizona Cardinals for a bag of peanuts and a new set of footballs, but he harbors no ill will toward Texans owner Cal McNair.

Hopkins, who’s set to be a free agent entering the offseason, greeted McNair, his wife Hannah and their children on the Caeser’s Superdome sidelines.

Hopkins also took off his gloves and gave them to the McNair children.

DeAndre Hopkins gives love to Texans owner Cal McNair and family.

Hopkins spent first 7 years of his career with Texans. Now at Super Bowl in Year 12: pic.twitter.com/KH6Ee7ssel

— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) February 9, 2025

A former first-round pick and all-time great for Houston, Hopkins, 32, played in his first Super Bowl after 12 seasons. Seven years were spent with the Texans and many believed he would be a lifer after inking a new deal in 2018.

That was before Hopkins was dumped by O’Brien in a trade for running back David Johnson and a future second-round pick. O’Brien was fired four games into the 2020 season and the start of a three-year rebuild. Hopkins, meanwhile, went on to help the Cardinals reach the NFC playoffs.

Despite being gone for five seasons, Hopkins still ranks second in Texans’ history in nearly every receiving category, trailing only Hall of Famer Andre Johnson.

After being traded from the Tennessee Titans in October for a fifth-round pick, Hopkins had 41 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games with the Chiefs. He finished with three catches for 28 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion.

As a free agent, Hopkins could sign with any team. Perhaps a reunion with Houston is in the mix?

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...s-reunites-with-texans-before-super-bowl-lix/

 

[Houston Texans]

Ranking all 32 NFL teams (including Texans) by 2025 strength of schedule

The Houston Texans ended their 2024 season with a second trip to the AFC divisional round, only to come up short after a strong first half against the No. 1 seed. Still, 20 regular-season wins and two division titles is a strong start to the DeMeco Ryans era.

Houston heads into the offseason with a vision for more offensive production. The Texans fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and recently added Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley to run the show with C.J. Stroud.

Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the Texans have the 18th-most difficult strength of schedule after finishing 10-7 in 2024. Their opponents had a win-loss percentage of .567 and a win-loss record of 139-150. Houston will play seven games against playoff teams from last season and eight games against teams that had a .500+ win percentage.

So where does that rank among the rest of the league?

Here’s every NFL team’s 2025 strength of schedule, ranked from most difficult to easiest, as the 2025 offseason is in full swing.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lis...ncluding-texans-by-2025-strength-of-schedule/

 

[Houston Texans]

Former Texans OC Bobby Slowik lands new gig with former 49ers colleague

Bobby Slowik is back on his feet and with a fellow former San Francisco 49ers coach.

Again.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the former Houston Texans offensive coordinator is joining the Miami Dolphins as a senior passing game coordinator for the 2025 season, reuniting him with former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

Slowik, 37, was now tasked with helping Tua Tagovialoa continue his progression as a top-tier quarterback in the AFC East. He was fired after two seasons as the mastermind behind the Texans’ offense that secured two division titles but struggled to find consistency.

Former #Texans OC Bobby Slowik is joining the #Dolphins as senior passing game coordinator, per sources.

Still only 37, Slowik was a hot head coaching candidate last year after Houston’s instant success. Now, a reunion with former #49ers coworker Mike McDaniel in Miami. pic.twitter.com/7OvOgWuJvy

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 12, 2025

Slowik worked with Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel during their time together in San Francisco. He eventually served as the 49ers pass game coordinator after McDaniel left the Bay Area to become Miami’s head coach in 2022.

A once sought-after head coaching candidate following C.J. Stroud’s breakout rookie season, Slowik and the Texans never regained that spark. Stroud, who became the fifth passer in league history to throw for over 4,000 yards, stalled in his development and somewhat regressed en route to a second postseason appearance.

As a whole, the offensive production took a dip. In 2023, Houston ranked 12th in yards per game (342.4) and 13th in points per game (22.2). Last season, the Texans finished 22nd in yards per game (319.7), 21st in passing yards per game (207.4), and 19th in scoring (21.9 points).

Source confirms that former Texans OC Bobby Slowik is joining the Dolphins staff as Senior Pass Game Coordinator

I’m told there are no changes to Darrell Bevell’s title — he’s been the Dolphins’ QB coach and pass game coordinator since 2022

— Marcel Louis-Jacques (@Marcel_LJ) February 12, 2025

In Miami, Bobby will reunite with his brother, Ryan Slowik. Ryan serves as the Dolphins defensive backs coach and pass game specialist. He’ll have a cast of weapons to work with on offense, including All-Pro receiver Tyreek Hill and Pro Bowl targets Jaylen Waddle and Jonnu Smith.

The Texans recently hired Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing coordinator Nick Caley as Slowik’s replacement.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...ik-lands-new-gig-with-former-49ers-colleague/

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans add another defensive line coach to 2025 staff

The Houston Texans are adding another member to their defensive staff for the upcoming 2025 season.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans plan to hire Toledo defensive line coach Frank Okam as their new assistant defensive line coach.

The #Texans are hiring former Raiders and Panthers assistant Frank Okam as their new assistant DL coach. Per @AaronWilson_NFL pic.twitter.com/yXJ1meTEfi

— Dylan Delgatto (@DDelgattoNFL) February 12, 2025

A former fifth-round pick by the Texans in 2008 out of Texas, Okam, 39, has long-standing connections to head defensive line coach Rod Wright and DeMeco Ryans. Wright was his teammate with the Longhorns from 2004-06, while Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, was his Houston from 2008-10.

After leaving the Texans in 2010, Okam played for the Seattle Seahawks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Giants and the Carolina Panthers before retiring in 2013. He previously coached defensive lines with the Las Vegas Raiders and Panthers, working with upstanding talents like Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby and Pro Bowlers Brian Burns and Derrick Brown in Carolina.

#Texans new Ast DL Coach Frank Okam has several ties to Texas.

Okam was drafted by Houston and was teammates with Texans HC DeMeco Ryans (2008-10).

He also played collegiately with the Texas Longhorns and was teammates with Texans DL Coach Rod Wright (2004 & 2005). https://t.co/Y6XLWoeOXd

— TXN (@TXNFootball) February 12, 2025

In 2023 at Toledo, Okam coached first-team All-Mid-American Conference selection Judge Culpepper who led the team with nine sacks. Last season, he worked with Darius Alexander, who finished with 3,5 sacks and eight tackles for loss.

The Texans are expected to be in the market for a new defensive tackle this offseason, so Okam should be primed to work his knowledge with the next name who joins the AFC South franchise.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/12/texans-add-another-defensive-line-coach-to-2025-staff/

 

[Houston Texans]

ESPN reveals Texans’ biggest need for 2025 offseason

What’s the top need for the Houston Texans to address entering the 2025 offseason?

Is it addressing a receiver room that now could be without Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs?

Is it focusing on stabilizing an offensive line that allowed 54 sacks in 2024?

Is it adding another running back to take pressure off C.J. Stroud and the passing attack?

The short answer from ESPN: If it’s about elevating Stroud, it’s a requirement for the Texans to solve before Week 1.

“After throwing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns in 2023, Stroud finished this season with 3,727 passing yards and 20 passing touchdowns,” ESPN’s D.J. Bien-Aime wrote. “This offseason is about putting him in a position to surpass his rookie totals. The Texans fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and hired former Rams passing game coordinator and tight ends coach Nick Caley to get a system better suited for Stroud and others. The next step is fixing an offensive line that gave up 52 sacks on Stroud.”

Houston might have returned to the postseason after finishing 10-7, but the offense regressed. In 2023 during Stroud’s breakout campaign, ranked 12th in yards per game (342.4) and 13th in points per game (22.2).

Last season, with what was expected to be an upgraded offensive personnel headlined by the arrival of Diggs and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon, the Texans finished 22nd in yards per game (319.7), 21st in passing yards per game (207.4), and 19th in scoring (21.9 points).

Moves to fix the offensive and line and receiving room don’t entirely have come in free agency, though the more talent there, the more room for growth. Houston could also stockpile talent in the upcoming draft, maximizing the potential of Stroud while still on his rookie deal.

The Texans own just over $2 million in cap space and six picks in the upcoming draft, so there’s little margin for error. There’s also little time left to take advantage of Stroud’s team-friendly deal in what could be a third postseason appearance.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/13/texans-cj-stroud-espn-offseason-moves-2025/

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans reflects on 'tough decision' to fire OC Bobby Slowik

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccurate headline.)

The firing of Bobby Slowik didn’t come easy for Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans following a divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker, planned on getting into coaching after he hung up the cleats in 2015. He joined the San Francisco 49ers staff in 2017, sharing a small office with his future offensive play-caller in Houston.

But the NFL can be cruel. A year after being one of the more sought-after candidates for a head coaching position, Slowik was rumored to be on the hot seat as regression set in for second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Ryans didn’t ignore the feedback he received from key offensive players, taking that into account as part of his evaluation. After outweighing the pros and cons, it was evident change was needed for Houston to move past a second weekend in January.

“It was very hard to let Bobby go,” Ryans said Thursday at NRG Stadium during Caley’s introductory press conference. “Bobby’s a really close friend, as you all know, Bobby’s a great friend of mine.

“Nothing but love and admiration for Bobby and what he’s done. I know he’ll be a really good coach in this league as he continues to press forward in his career. And I wish him nothing but the best.”

#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said it was ‘Really hard’ to move on from Bobby Slowik @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/TrVpqIehQg

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 13, 2025

The Texans are starting over on offense with new offensive coordinator Nick Caley. After spending two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams as the tight ends coach and pass-game coordinator, Caley looks to transcend Houston’s offense into an AFC juggernaut as Stroud enters his third season.

As for Slowik, he’s already landed on his feet since Caley’s hiring, reuniting with former 49ers offensive coordinator and current Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as the team’s senior passing game coordinator.

While the Texans made some strides offensively, setbacks stalled Houston from advancing over a 10-7 finish for the second straight year. Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon stabilized the ground game with his 1,000-yard performance, but the passing attack struggled to find consistency.

#Texans HC DeMeco Ryans: “It was very hard to let Bobby Slowik go. He’s a close friend of mine. When I got into coaching he helped me figure things out. We wish him the best.”

— Cole Thompson (@MrColeThompson) February 13, 2025

Stroud’s struggles factored into the call. A year after throwing for over 4,000 yards and averaging 22.2 points per game, the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year threw 12 interceptions. The Texans also averaged 21,1 points per game and gave up 54 sacks.

“We’ve had a lot of good success these first two years,” Ryans said. “The reason we’re doing this is I think there’s another level that we can go to. And as I said earlier, my job is to take this organization to new heights, and I think hiring Nick will help us to get there.”

Caley, who previously worked with Matthew Stafford, has a vision to help Stroud reach new heights. Slowik might have laid down the foundation but Caley must unlock the next level of Stroud’s potential that resonates with his 2023 film for 2025 and beyond.

Nick Caley on CJ Stroud

pic.twitter.com/f7geI6F70k

— Houston Stressans (@TexansCommenter) February 13, 2025

“He can spin it. He throws the ball,” Caley said. “He’s an accurate thrower of the football. He is a natural thrower of the football. He’s instinctive. He’s got the ‘it’ factor. And he’s a warrior in terms of his competitiveness. I’ve admired him dating back to his college days. So, I’m really, really excited to have an opportunity to work with him.”

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...s-on-tough-deciscion-to-fire-oc-bobby-slowik/

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans WR Stefon Diggs listed among CBS Sports' top 100 free agents

As the NFL offseason rolls on with mock drafts and free agency rumors, nothing can be finalized or even mentioned until next month.

Players can’t even sign with new teams until the start of the league year on March 12., though legal tampering begins on March 10.

While the Houston Texans will be in the market for several newcomers on offense, perhaps the top name to monitor is pending free agent Stefon Diggs. The four-time Pro Bowl initially was thought to be a one-year rental, but after Tank Dell’s season-ending injury that likely sidelines him for all of 2025, plans might have changed.

This week, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco released his Top 100 free agent list for this upcoming offseason. Diggs was the only Texans’ player listed, coming in at No. 53 and ranking No. 5 among wide receivers.

“At 31, Stefon Diggs is getting toward the end of his career and he’s coming off a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 last season,” Prisco wrote. “That brings risk to a team that will sign him and probably limits him to a one-year deal. But he is a good veteran No. 2 now when healthy.”

Diggs, who caught 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, might be willing to sign a one-year deal to come back and better his value in 2026 while continuing to play for a competitive team. The two-time All-Pro was on pace for another 100-catch season before being limited to eight games.

The Texans also could afford to bring him back on a team-friendly one-year contract. Plus, Diggs has proven to be a high upside No. 2 threat, which bodes well for the offense since Nico Collins has transformed into a top-15 target in two years.

Diggs, however, could want a multi-year deal with a higher annual salary, something the Texans can’t cough up given other needs. Should he walk to the open market, Houston must pivot to other names looking for perhaps short-term deals.

Several options listed by Prisco include Washington Commanders Dyami Brown (No. 50), New York Giants Darius Slayton (No. 67), Kansas City Chiefs Hollywood Brown (No. 69), Chicago Bears Keenan Allen (No. 81) and former Texans All-Pro DeAndre Hopkins (No. 96).

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...-listed-among-cbs-sports-top-100-free-agents/

 

[Houston Texans]

NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah ranks prospects at Texans' top positions of need

Following another devastating loss in the divisional round as the No. 4 seed in the AFC postseason, the Houston Texans have multiple needs to address this offseason.

Some will come via free agency on cheap short-term contracts. Others must be acquired through seven rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft come April 24-26 in Green Bay at Lambeau Field.

Looking at the current status of the Texans’ roster, we listed interior offensive line, wide receiver, defensive tackle, safety, and inside linebacker as the team’s five biggest positions of need going into the offseason. While Houston could target a running back, kicker and tight end, those would be considered secondary needs on the roster until after roster reconstruction in the coming weeks.

With the hiring of Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley, the Texans are going in a different direction on offense in 2025. Receivers must be willing to block while emphasizing trench play has become a non-negotiable.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently released his big board of the top 50 prospects in the 2025 NFL draft, and it includes 18 players at Houston’s top positions of need. The Texans hold six picks in the draft, including the 25th overall in the first round.

Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker and Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth — two fan favorites in Texans mock drafts — rank inside the top 20. Here are Jeremiah’s top prospects at IOL, WR, DT, SAF, and LB.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lists/texans-mock-nfl-network-draft-daniel-jeremiah-top-prospects/

 

[Houston Texans]

Who are the most undervalued prospects in in current mock drafts?

The NFL draft is still over two months away, but mock draft season is in full swing. The Houston Texans might not pick until No. 25, but their selection on Day 1 could set the tone for the rest of the class and perhaps the entire 2025 season.

We are still a couple of weeks away from the NFL combine and most team meetings, so even team evaluations have not been completed and teams have not stacked their draft boards or ranked players.

Yet some players appear to be undervalued even at this time of the year. All that could change later this month at Lucas Oil Stadium, but for now, they remain quiet in mocks leading up to a week in Indianapolis.

Draft Wire managing editor Jeff Risdon named five players who currently aren’t getting enough love.

Read his description of each player in his full analysis, and check out our thoughts on each prospect.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lis...ervalued-prospects-in-in-current-mock-drafts/

 

[Houston Texans]

Full list of players invited to 2025 NFL combine

Last year, all nine players picked by the Houston Texans 2024 NFL draft competed at the NFL combine earlier in the offseason.

Cornerback Kamari Lassiter, offensive tackle Blake Fisher, safety Calen Bullock and tight end Cade Stover all impressed Houston’s scouting in Indianapolis leading up to the draft and are now viewed as foundational pieces entering 2025.

So, who will the team identify at this year’s NFL combine? The league has released the full list of players invited to the 2025 NFL combine and it includes Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker, Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant— three players who have been popular picks for Houston in mock drafts.

The 2025 NFL Scouting Combine will be held in Indianapolis, Ind., at Lucas Oil Stadium from Feb. 24 through March 3. The workouts will be televised on NFL Network, which is available to stream on FuboTV (try it free).

Check out the full list of prospects below, courtesy of the NFL.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lists/full-list-of-players-invited-to-2025-nfl-combine/

 

[Houston Texans]

10 WR Prospects Texans should consider in 2025 NFL Draft

It’s not secret the Houston Texans need help on the offensive line after allowing C.J. Stroud to go from offensive rookie of the year to the second-most sacked quarterback in 12 months.

But Houston, which enters a crucial Year 3 under Stroud, must upgrade its passing attack. Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods are set to hit free agency. As much as fans would love to see Tank Dell return in 2025, his road to recovery might have him sidelined until 2026.

It’s too early to say Xavier Hutchinson and John Metchie III won’t be back next season, but the Texans can’t trust either to be a full-time starter after underwhelming campaigns in 2024. Nico Collins is a top-15 target after his second 1,000-yard season, but even the best Pro Bowl talents need a running mate.

The Texans likely will bring in a name or two through free agency, but turning to the draft might be the best long-term plan to acquire a stable No. 2 receiver. The good news? The 2025 NFL Draft features few No. 1 options, but a surplus of No. 2 and No. 3 threats with impeccable upside.

Here are 10 prospects the Texans should monitor later this month at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis and where they could be selected

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lists/10-wr-prospects-texans-should-consider-in-2025-nfl-draft/

 

[Houston Texans]

Ranking every NFL coach (including DeMeco Ryans) after Super Bowl 59

With the 2024 NFL season wrapped up, let’s go back and rank the top 32 players — and coaches — at their respective positions.

Today, we start off with the coaches. Who is the top name entering 2025? Which coach rose up the rankings after a breakout first season? Who is on the hot seat entering free agency and needs to crush it to survive “Black Monday” come 2026?

Meanwhile, where does Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans rank after Year 2? He’s won two division titles, but he’s also 2-2 in the postseason with losses to the No. 1 seed. Even though he hasn’t gotten over the hump, Ryans is the fastest coach to 20 wins in franchise history. With another 10-win season, it’ll be hard to not consider Ryans as one of the league’s most consistent coaches.

Here’s the updated top 32 coaches list entering March. Also, argue amongst yourselves on where you want to rank the first-time head coaches, they all could be No. 32 with just cause. And yes, Brian Dabboll or Kevin Stefanski won’t be appearing below a first-time head coach.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lis...h-including-demeco-ryans-after-super-bowl-59/

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans sign potential Jon Weeks replacement to reserve-future deal

Has Jon Weeks snapped his final ball to the Houston Texans? Maybe not, but the Texans are bringing in a backup plan just in case.

The Texans have agreed to terms with long-snapper Tucker Addington to a reserve-future deal, per his agent, Robert Sheets.

According to reports, the deal includes a $10,000 signing bonus.

Addington worked out for the Texans last offseason but did not sign a deal. He was signed to the Miami Dolphins and even played in the Week 15 game against the Texans en route to their AFC South championship victory.

The #Texans are signing long snapper Tucker Addington to a futures deal that includes $10,000 in bonus money, per his agent Rob Sheets.

Addington has appeared in 10 games with three NFL teams, including New England and Miami last year.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) February 17, 2025

A native of New Braunfels, Addington earned the starting job at Sam Houston State. After college, he previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders.

He also played for the Houston Gamblers in the United States Football League, appearing in all 10 games during the 2022 season.

Weeks, who joined the Texans in 2010 as an undrafted free agent out of Baylor, has played all 14 seasons in Houston. In 2018, Weeks set the Texans’ franchise record for most consecutive games played with 129.

Weeks is a pending unrestricted free agent who has expressed a desire to sign a new deal, accoridng to KRPC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson. He’ll be 39 this season, marking as him the oldest long-snapper in the league.

The Texans finished the regular season with a 10-7 record. They’ll pick 25th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft.

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Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/17/texans-tucker-addington-jon-weeks-free-agency/

 

[Houston Texans]

2025 Texans offseason roster profile: RB Dameon Pierce

The Houston Texans are officially in offseason mode and we are still weeks away from free agency and the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Over the next few weeks, Texans Wire will break down each player on the roster who is signed through the 2025 season and their potential moving forward.

We will recap their 2024 season, their contract status and what their status is for the coming offseason and 2025 season.

Let’s continue to talk about the running back room with a recap of Year 3 for Dameon Pierce.

2024 Dameon Pierce Season​

With the arrival of Pro Bowler Joe Mixon from Cincinnati, the days of Pierce as the Texans’ top back were over. That doesn’t mean his role wasn’t essential as the change-of-pace No. 2 option.

When Mixon missed three games with an ankle injury, Pierce and Cam Akers served as the 1-2 option. Pierce was also a key component on special teams as the Texans’ primary kickoff returner, where he averaged 25.6 yards per attempt.

2024 Dameon Pierce stats​

In 11 games, Pierce rushed for 293 yards on 40 attempts. He scored a pair of long touchdowns against the New England Patriots in Week 6 and the Tennessee Titans in Week 18 while averaging 7.3 yards per attempt.

2025 contract status​

Entering the final year of his rookie deal, Pierce will earn $1.1 million as his base salary in 2025. The rest of his $203,000 salary will kick in on March 7.

He has a $1.3 million cap hit in 2025.

Outlook for 2025

Pierce will enter the offseason as the No. 2 back behind Mixon. He will continue in that role, provided he stays healthy, unless he either moves backward in his development or the Texans add another option in free agency or the NFL Draft come April.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/18/texans-dameon-pierce-offseason-contract/

 

[Houston Texans]

Texans Pro Bowl RB Joe Mixon's fine against refs rescinded upon review

Round 1 might have gone to the NFL but the overall fight went to Houston Texans Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

Mixon officially won his appeal on Tuesday over a $25,000 fine issued following Houston’s playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round of the playoffs last month.

According to appeals officer Chris Palmer in a detailed letter to Mixon, upon further investigation, the Pro Bowler “did not necessarily publicly criticize the officials” on his postgame comments following the game at Arrowhead Stadium.

“During the appeal hearing, you stated what you meant by your statements referring to the officials,” Palmer wrote. “As you know, statements can be interpreted differently by every individual and it seems like you clearly understand the weight and detriment of public criticism towards officials can be, given how impactful your platform is as a player, which I appreciate.”

Texans RB Joe Mixon win his appeal over the fine he received following the loss to the Chiefs in divisional round. pic.twitter.com/zzTGkYElzv

— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) February 18, 2025

Mixon, who joined the Texans this offseason after spending seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals. was asked about several choice calls made against the Texans’ defense that led to a pair of scoring drives.

Mixon had played in two AFC Championship games at Arrowhead in the past and voiced his opinion on how “everybody knows how it is playing up here” in the home of Patrick Mahomes.

Texans RB Joe Mixon on the officiating in today’s game:

“Everybody know how it is playing up here. You can never leave it into the refs hands. The whole world see, man.” pic.twitter.com/NZPIlO6YrQ

— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) January 19, 2025

“You can never leave it into the refs’ hands,” Mixon said. “The whole world sees, man, what it is. When it comes down to it, you can never leave it into the refs’ hands. It’s all good, though.”

On X, former Bengals wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh tweeted his frustrations with the carefree penalties called against Houston in favor of Mixon’s thoughts.

“Why play the game if every 50/50 call goes with the Chiefs,” the former wideout said. “These officials are [trash] & bias.”

Well, the NFL initially thought that tweet came from Mixon due to attribution from in a Sports Illustrated story, according to Mixon and his agent, Peter Schaffer. SI later corrected its error, though the NFL wasn’t done.

Instead of fining Mixon for the story, the league instead reissued the fine for the comments made after the game in the postgame interview. Mixon rightfully tweeted his frustrations in the NFL’s process in fining him and other players for nothing in the past.

So let me get this straight NFL fines me 25k for something I didn’t even say. Call them out for it, and they response was fine me AGAIN for something that’s not even a violation without even rescinding the first one. Where’s the accountability? Just respect the players.

Cold

—

Primetime!!!

(@Joe_MainMixon) January 22, 2025

“So let me get this straight, the NFL fines me 25k for something I didn’t even say,” Mixon posted to X. “Call them out for it, and their response was fine me AGAIN for something that’s not even a violation without even rescinding the first one. Where’s the accountability? Just respect the players.”

The headache could have been avoided by the NFL from the get-go if the league office just looked at the tweet and figured out who actually was behind the computer screen.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...xons-fine-against-refs-rescinded-upon-review/

 

[Houston Texans]

2025 Texans offseason roster profile: RB Jawhar Jordan

The Houston Texans are officially in offseason mode and we are still weeks away from free agency and the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.

Over the next few weeks, Texans Wire will break down each player on the roster amid a run to the postseason and their potential moving forward.

We will recap their 2024 season, their contract status and what their status is for the coming offseason and 2025 season.

Let’s continue to talk about the running back room by discussing rookie Jawhar Jordan.

2024 Jawhar Jordan Season​

Jordan spent the majority of his 2024 campaign with Houston’s practice squad after missing time with an oblique injury early in the season. He did impress as a No. 3 runner before dealing with the injury.

2024 Jawhar Jordan stats​

The 2024 sixth-round pick from Louisville has yet to make his NFL regular-season debut. During his final season with the Cardinals, he rushed for 1,128 yards on 181 carries and 13 touchdowns.

2025 contract status​

Watkins signed a futures deal with the Cardinals in January. He is due to make $840,000 in a base salary that includes a $10,000 signing bonus should he make the active 53-man roster.

Outlook for 2025

Jordan should be seen as a player to fill the offseason roster who has, at best, an outside chance of making the active roster. He’ll be a favorite to return to practice squad if cut following the preseason, but given that Dare Ogunbowale could hit free agency, Jordan should be linked as a poential in-house replacement.

There shouldn’t be any real expectations for the former All-ACC runner, but he is a guy to pay attention to at least heading into OTAs.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/19/2025-texans-offseason-roster-profile-rb-jawhar-jordan/

 

[Houston Texans]

TeX's and O's: Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka is the perfect fit for Nick Caley & C.J. Stroud

Draft season is underway, meaning fans continue to wonder what the Houston Texans will do with the 25th overall pick come April. 24.

Despite advancing to the AFC Divisional Round for the second consecutive season, Houston enters the offseason with ample needs. The interior offensive line must be fixed. The same goes for the interior defensive line, safety and wide receiver.

From an early glance, one prospect in particular stands out among the rest as a perfect fit for Houston following the hire of new offensive coordinator Nick Caley from the Los Angeles Rams.

Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka.

C.J. Stroud’s former college teammate closed his Buckeye career as one of the best receivers in school history. Egbuka collected 205 receptions for 2868 yards and 24 touchdowns while catching passes from Stroud, Kyle McCord and Will Howard over the last four seasons.

He enters next week’s NFL Combine as one of the top playmaking prospects and should draw serious interest from the Texans.

Specifically, Egubka’s fit for Caley’s offense, potential chemistry with Houston’s existing stars and prerequisites for general Nick Caserio’s draft criteria look tailor-made for a selection at No. 25.

Scheme Fit​

Egbuka likely enters the league as a “slot only” receiver as he dominated the role in Columbus. He punished nickel defenders and linebackers on slants, crossers and in-breakers throughout his college career.

For an offense under Caley that may look to emphasize the quick game — something well-documented under Tom Brady and the Patriots —that becomes a bonus and another “easy button” for the team to lean on in difficult situations.

Caley comes from a Los Angeles system that values receivers who are willing to block. Egbuka showed a tenacious fight in blocking with the Buckeyes. He can help to open up lanes for Joe Mixon or block on screens for Nico Collins.

His physicality as a blocker should translate cleanly toward any 12-personnel packages since Egbuka can line tight to the formation.

The motion was also a major point of Egbuka’s game at Ohio State, mostly in ways that can elevate Caley’s use of the slot role. Whether that was to open up route combination, serve as a lead blocker, or take the ball out of the backfield Ohio State often trusted Egbuka to become the defensive focal point on the pre-snap.

Team Fit​

Beyond the fit within Houston’s new offense, Egbuka’s ability to slide into a role Houston’s existing stars like Collins and Stroud cannot be understated.

Stroud and Egbuka already have an existing history. In Stroud’s senior season, the 6-foot target posted career-highs in catches (74), receiving yards (1,151) and touchdowns (10). The duo should have quick rapport and Egbuka’s presence can accelerate Stroud’s comfort in the new offensive scheme.

In the slot, Egbuka further compliments Collins on the perimeter. The two could be a lethal combination in route formations. Egbuka should also help protect Collins from seeing too much defensive coverage shifted his way and punish defenses when they make that decision.

A Caserio Classic Pick​

Egbuka fits all the criteria of historic first-round draft selections under Caserio.

The Washington native was a five-star prospect coming out of high school, play in a Power 4 conference and produced high-volume stats on a team competing for a national title. These were all traits shared by former early picks Derek Stingley Jr., Kenyon Green, Will Anderson Jr. and Stroud.

A player of Egubka’s potential would provide Houston’s new offensive coordinator with a dynamic target who can build off his previous rapport with a rising talent at quarterback entering a crucial Year 3.

Fans are still in wait-and-see mode, but don’t be surprised if head coach DeMeco Ryans cedes this year’s first pick to the offense with Egbuka’s selection.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...is-the-perfect-fit-for-nick-caley-c-j-stroud/