The Houston Texans’ rollercoaster of a season has finally come to a stop. And what a long ride it’s been. From the Hall of Fame Game preparations in mid-July to the AFC Divisional Round of the playoffs, it’s safe to say the Texans left it all on the field this year. But here’s the reality—it was good, but not good enough.
Head coach DeMeco Ryans put it plainly, “It was a good year, but not good enough, in my mind. For me, it is how do we take the organization to new heights.” The Texans have some massive offseason decisions to make if they’re serious about breaking their second-round playoff curse and edging closer to the top of the AFC standings.
So, what’s at the top of their to-do list this offseason? Fans and analysts alike are asking some crucial questions. Here are the top five.
1. Who’s Protecting C.J. Stroud?
The offensive line was painful to watch in 2024. Sure, five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is locked in for next season, but the rest of the unit? It’s a jumble of inconsistencies, and it’s a problem. C.J. Stroud, who had a promising season, got sacked a whopping 54 times. That’s not a recipe for success—or a healthy franchise quarterback.
The Texans’ interior line needs a complete overhaul, starting with the guard spots and center position. Kenyon Green’s injury history likely signals the end of his time in Houston, while Shaq Mason, the most reliable guard last year, took a huge step back in 2024. Simply put, there’s a lot of bad tape to erase.
Houston could look to address this in free agency (hello, Teven Jenkins and James Daniels) or take their chances in the draft with top prospects like Alabama’s Tyler Booker or Georgia’s Tate Ratledge. Either way, change is coming, and at least two new starters on the offensive line seem inevitable.
Houston Texans odds on a revamped O-line being a success? Only time will tell.
2. Is a Stefon Diggs Reunion in the Cards?
Stefon Diggs was supposed to be a one-season rental, but things…got complicated. Nico Collins locked in back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and cemented himself as the Texans’ WR1, but beyond him, the lineup gets shaky. Tank Dell’s catastrophic knee injury—a torn ACL, PCL, and every other “CL”—means his 2025 season is in serious doubt.
Enter Diggs. Even though his 2024 campaign was cut short by a torn ACL in Week 8, he showed plenty of upside. The four-time Pro Bowler has expressed interest in returning to Houston, but does he think this is a team ready to contend for a ring? And does Houston want to invest significant cap space in a 31-year-old wide receiver?
C.J. Stroud certainly hopes so. “I would love to have Stef back,” Stroud said. “I think we were just getting started.”
No pressure, Texans front office. None at all.
3. Who’s Filling the Gaps on the Defensive Line?
Two words Texans fans are tired of hearing—defensive tackle. Ryans has rotated through linemen like its musical chairs, and yet the interior defensive line remains a weak spot. Sheldon Rankins is gone, Malik Collins was traded, and the Texans are bracing for free agency to hit them where it hurts.
Foley Fatukasi and Mario Edwards were bright spots in an otherwise unremarkable group, but both are now set to hit the market. Fatukasi shined as a run-stopper, while Edwards proved to be a reliable dual-threat against both the run and pass. Can Houston afford either of them with just $10 million in cap space?
If not, DT becomes a must-fill position on draft day. Will the Texans bet on run-stoppers, or will they prioritize pass-rushing power in the trenches? Either way, they’ll need to fortify the line if Ryan wants the defense to compete with top-tier offenses.
4. Which Veterans Are Heading for the Exit?
The Texans have some tough decisions to make about their cap space. With only $10 million in wriggle room going into the offseason, underperforming veterans could find themselves on the chopping block.
Shaq Mason’s contract makes him an obvious cut, clearing space for new blood on the offensive line. Meanwhile, defensive back Jimmie Ward might be expendable, with Calen Bullock and Jalen Pitre set to assume full-time roles. Another name to keep an eye on? Dalton Schultz. After signing a three-year extension, he’s failed to deliver as both a blocker and a reliable target for Stroud. A restructure could be on the table—if not, his days in Houston might be numbered.
The Texans need to clear cap space, but who goes and who stays will showcase how aggressively Ryans and GM Nick Caserio plan to reshape the roster.
5. Will OC Bobby Slowik Keep His Job?
Here’s where things get dicey. Offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik went from being in line for a head coaching gig last offseason to potentially being out of a job entirely. The offense regressed badly in 2024, slipping to 22nd in total offense and 19th in scoring. Stroud’s rookie magic wore off as his touchdowns dipped and interceptions doubled.
Now, the blame can’t be pinned squarely on Slowik. Injuries ravaged the offense, and the offensive line was a mess. But his uncreative play-calling, particularly down the stretch, raises serious doubts about whether he’s the right guy to lead the Texans’ offense into the future.
Ryans hasn’t committed to Slowik yet, and it’s clear changes are coming to the offensive coaching staff. Whether Slowik stays or goes, one thing’s certain—a serious rethink is needed if Houston wants to compete in the AFC.
What’s Next for Houston?
For the Texans, the offseason isn’t just about adjustments—it’s about evolution. From building a wall of protection around Stroud to making big decisions about offensive playmakers and defensive game-changers, the pressure is on to begin the climb out of AFC mediocrity.
Can they finally break through the wall that’s held them back in the second round? Or will next NFL season feel like “Mount AFC Fourth Place” all over again? One thing’s for sure—it’s going to be a fascinating offseason. Keep an eye on the Texans’ odds as they reshape their roster for another run.