The Houston Texans spent most of the offseason revamping the offensive line and signing their key contributors to contract extensions. While they were able to retain their defensive talent, they will look very different on the offensive side of the ball.
After disappointing offensively in C.J. Stroud's second season, the Texans decided to make sweeping changes on that end of the field. Starting with the offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, they parted ways with underperforming Texans.
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, these departures may continue. Two offensive playmakers are especially in trouble after having down campaigns last year.
Dameon Pierce & Xavier Hutchinson May Be in Trouble Heading into May
Running back Dameon Pierce and wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson are on thin ice after struggling in their respective roles. Pierce fell behind Dare Ogunbowale in the pecking order, only playing in 16% of the team's offensive snaps. He had a career-low 40 carries in 11 games for 293 rushing yards. The former fourth-round pick continued his downward trend since flashing a ton of promise as a rookie in 2022.
As Pierce enters the fourth and final year of his rookie contract, his future with the Texans remains uncertain. Depending on Houston's decisions in the draft, the former Florida standout may find himself further marginalized in the offense.
Hutchinson is another offensive weapon who has failed to make hay in Houston's offense. Despite the team desperately needing more playmakers after Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell went down, Hutchinson wasn't able to step up.
Towards the end of the season, Hutchinson had moved up to WR2 in the rotation, but couldn't produce. He finished his second season with 12 catches, 117 yards, and zero touchdowns, receiving a putrid ranking of 113th-best WR in the league out of 133 eligible players, per Pro Football Focus.
The Texans have added Christian Kirk, Braxton Berrios, and Justin Watson in the offseason. If they target a WR prospect in the draft as well, Hutchinson may find himself out the door, similar to Pierce.