Texans Team Notes

[Houston Texans]

How old is NRG Stadium compared to other NFL venues entering 2025?

While the Houston Texans exploring the possibility of a new stadium might seem like an ill-advised move, it’s honestly right on cue compared to other locations around the NFL.

After opening in 2002, NRG Stadium has mostly remained untouched over the past two decades. Sure, a rebranding happened from Reliant to NRG, but a majority of the internal moves made have been minor at best.

Since the Texans became the league’s “newest” franchise under the McNair family, 12 other teams have moved into new stadiums. Ten new stadiums have been built over the last 22 years, including three locations from San Diego, St. Louis and Oakland to the Los Angeles and Las Vegas, respecitvley.

The Chargers and Rams call SoFi Stadium home out west while the Giants and Jets share MetLife Stadium outside of the New York City limits in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Houston’s lease with NRG Stadium expires in 2032. At that point, there will only be five stadiums older than NRG since the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars are expected to move before the 2027 season begins.

The Texans might end up renewing the lease for another decade, but the only way conversations will start there is if the team can massively renovate the complex. A projected price would be anywhere between $500 million to $1 billion and likely would take a full year of renovations, if not longer.

To see where NRG Stadium stacks up in the league, here’s a look at the age of each NFL stadium and the last time each venue saw an significant overhaul of upgrades.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/lis...m-compared-to-other-nfl-venues-entering-2025/

 

[Houston Texans]

CBS gives Texans a 'B' for 2024 season

After being considered the AFC’s next “it” team for 2024, the Houston Texans finished with the same record during a year where no one expected much.

Yes, finishing 10-7 is an accomplishment, especially when dealing with constant injuries, but the Texans had higher hopes. They planned on hosting multiple playoff games and while securing MVP consideration from C.J. Stroud.

Instead, the same that occurred in 2023 happened once more in 2024. Now, Houston is back with the No. 25 pick and a bit more hope that 2025 is “the year” down off NRG Drive.

While the team’s efforts didn’t end in a Lombardi Trophy, CBS’ Bryan DeArdo still gave Houston a B grade for its 2024 campaign because of their slew of injuries, but revamped running back headlined by Pro Bowler Joe Mixon.

“The Texans were worse on offense and defense this season but still found a way to win a second straight division title and a wild-card playoff game,” Bryan DeArdo wrote. “While their season was plagued by inconsistency, the Texans showed their potential during their 32-12 thumping of the Chargers in the divisional round.”

Injuries derailed Houston’s quest of securing a higher seed, mostly in the receiver room. Nico Collons was on pace to lead the NFL in receiving yards before a hamstring injury forced him to miss five games in the heart of the schedule.

All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs, who many thought would be the missing link to Houston’s success, suffered a torn ACL in Week 8’s win over the Colts, thus forcing him to miss over half the season.

Tank Dell’s breakout season came to a close in early December after suffering a significant knee injury against the Chiefs. His status for the 2025 season is now in jeopardy.

Despite a postseason berth, the Texans could look different in 2025. Houston is expected to add three new linemen ahead of OTAs and should have a few new receivers. Diggs, who won’t be cleared to return to drills until after training camp begins, is expected to test the free-agent market.

But the core of the team, headlined by All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., defensive end Will Anderson Jr., Stroud Collins and Mixon, should still be intact with a lot of young returner players left.

And if new offensive coordinator Nick Caley can help Stroud regain his rookie form, there is always a chance for the Texans to make another push in the AFC.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/21/cbs-gives-texans-a-b-for-2024-season/

 

[Houston Texans]

Could former Texans DL Sheldon Rankins return to Houston in 2025?

Sheldon Rankins was an ideal fit for the Houston Texans’ defense in 2023 as an anchor up the middle.

Could a reunion be in the works in 2025?

Rankins was released by the Cincinnati Bengals on Friday after one season. The former first-round pick inked a two-year deal worth $24.5 million last offseason but was limited to just seven games due to injury.

With his release, the Bengals will gain back 9.6 million in salary cap savings while only taking a hit of $2 million against the cap in dead money.

Former #Texans DT Sheldon Rankins has been released by the #Bengals.

Rankins signed a one-year deal with Houston in 2023, where he posted six sacks and a career high 29 solo tackles. He signed a 2-year, $24.5 million contract with Cincinnati last offseason. https://t.co/QwWSjgVkWR

— Sam Warren (@samwarren_3) February 21, 2025

A former first-round pick out of Louisville, Rankins was at his best in the DeMeco Ryans’ style defense. He found his stride during the 2022 season as a member of the New York Jets under Robert Saleh but truly came into Pro Bowl-caliber form a year later.

During his lone season with the Texans, Rankins racked up six sacks and nine tackles for loss. He also finished with a position-high 37 tackles and 10 QB hits.

Houston’s need for a long-term defensive tackle could lead to a potential reunion this offseason. Rankins seemed to have left on good terms with the AFC South franchise and reportedly had been in talks about a new contract before eventually signing with the AFC North franchise.

Bengals released veteran DT Sheldon Rankins, who started seven games last season.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 21, 2025

The Texans currently must decide if they plan on re-signing Mario Edwards Jr. and Foley Fatukasi after promising seasons in the defensive line last offseason. Both could be looking for multi-year deals while Houston could be more interested in a one-year contract for a starter, as evidenced by previous deals under general manager Nick Caserio.

Given the Texans’ cap situation, a one-year deal could be in play for Rankins to return as a rotational option. Adding him would also allow Houston to move defensive tackle down the pecking order entering the draft, thus making offensive line and receiver a priority.

SCOOP & SCORE FOR SHELDON RANKINS

pic.twitter.com/8wEbGIsA2C

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) December 31, 2023

Defensive tackle, offensive line, receiver and safety should be the top moves to monitor in free agency, so Rankins might be one of several names to monitor in the coming weeks.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/202...dl-sheldon-rankins-return-to-houston-in-2025/

 

[Houston Texans]

Potential Texans FA target retires after Hall of Fame career with Cowboys

Zack Martin was expected to be a name the Houston Texans could monitor in free agency this offseason.

Instead, the All-Pro offensive lineman is hanging up the cleats in Arlington for good.

Martin, one of the most decorated linemen in league history, will retire after 11 NFL seasons as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. The 34-year-old let owner and general manager Jerry Jones know of his decision on Thursday afternoon.

9x Pro Bowl guard Zack Martin has informed the Cowboys he plans to retire after 11 seasons. (via @TomPelissero, @RapSheet, and @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/45g10c6WTD

— NFL (@NFL) February 20, 2025

A 2014 first-round pick out of Notre Dame, Martin was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the other Texas franchise. He was a first-team All-Pro pick seven times, which is tied with Hall of Famers Randall McDaniel and John Hannah for the most among guards in NFL history.

According to ESPN, the only player with more first-team All-Pro selections since Martin’s rookie season is former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald with eight. Both are expected to be Hall of Fame candidates when up for eligibility in five seasons.

Cowboys RG Zack Martin

• 11 years
• 171 starts including playoffs (169 at RG, 2 at RT)
• 9x All-Pro (7x first team)
• 9x Pro Bowler
• 7 career holding penalties
• 2014 1st round pick (16th)
• 52 starts at LT for Notre Dame

Martin played with pristine technique and… pic.twitter.com/Yv896jXqTs

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) February 21, 2025

Part of the reason Houston was expected to have interest in Martin was due to his durability. In 11 seasons, he started 162 games, missing more than one game in a season just twice: 2020 and 2024.

In addition, Martin was named to the NFL’s All-Decade team as part of the 2010 roster. Last season he was limited to 10 games because of an ankle injury that later required surgery.

While Martin is off the table, the Texans still must target at least one new offensive lineman in free agency. Other names who could be in play include Kansas City’s Trey Smith, Chicago’s Teven Jenkins, Pittsburgh’s James Daniels and Atlanta’s Drew Dalman.

Source: https://texanswire.usatoday.com/2025/02/21/texans-cowboys-guard-zack-martin-retires-nfl-2025/