The Houston Texans understand the task at hand this off-season. After getting bounced in the divisional round in each of the past two postseasons, the Texans need to raise the floor.
The offseason gives them the chance to find some improvements to the roster, and free agency is an ideal place to do so. The legal tampering period begins on March 10 at 11 a.m. CST. Teams will get the chance to speak to unrestricted free agents, and there are a couple of former Texans that Houston should consider.
1. DeAndre Hopkins, WR
The Texans shipped receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals back in 2020 in exchange for RB David Johnson, a second and a fourth-round pick.
While he's had stops with the Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs, the Texans would be a great option next season.
The Texans have some serious questions to answer about their WR room. Tank Dell may miss the 2025 season due to a knee injury, while Stefon Diggs is a free agent. That leaves Nico Collins as the only reliable weapon currently, and Hopkins could be a solid option for them.
Although he isn't in his prime anymore, he could give them a stable veteran weapon. During the 2024 season between the Titans and Chiefs, Hopkins had 56 catches for 610 yards and five touchdowns.
He also has a ton of history with the Texans after being their first-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft. He ranks second in team history in targets (1,048), receptions (632), receiving yards (8,602), and touchdowns (54).
Hopkins knows that building extremely well and would provide a good pass-catching option for C.J. Stroud. The Texans need more weapons in that room, and Hopkins fits the bill. It also wouldn't cost much to sign him, either.
2. Justin Reid, S
The Texans have been solid on the defensive side of the ball under DeMeco Ryans. They have been ranked 14th or higher in total defense (14th in 2023 & 5th in 2024), putting themselves in positions to succeed.
It's clear that the unit will be solid, yet they have a chance to bring back safety Justin Reid to the back end. Houston took Reid in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, and he played in four seasons with them before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent in 2022.
During his tenure with the Chiefs, he was a consistent playmaker, supplying 265 total tackles, 12 TFLs, 23 pass deflections, and three interceptions. He also played at least 16 games in all three seasons and notched two Super Bowl titles. The Stanford product has stellar playoff experience and could bring that over to Houston.
This past season, Reid had a 76.9 overall grade (20th among 170 eligible safeties) and a 77.4 coverage grade (12th among 170 eligible safeties).
Bringing him back to Houston would elevate their secondary and put an athletic defender over the top. Pairing him with Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock would give the Texans one of the top secondaries in the league.
3. Sheldon Rankins, DT
The Texans are looking to improve the interior of their defensive line this offseason. They aren't expected to re-sign Mario Edwards and Foley Fatukasi.
Both players were underwhelming in 2024, leading to Houston believing they could get better in that area. Sheldon Rankins is someone who will also become a free agent, and the Texans expressed interest in bringing him back into the fold.
Rankins was let go by the Cincinnati Bengals after dealing with injuries and an illness that limited him to seven games.
Prior to signing with the Bengals, Rankins was a solid presence for the Texans in 2023. Over 15 games in Houston, Rankins finished with 18 total tackles, nine TFLs, 10 QB hits, and six sacks. Even if he doesn't replicate those stats, he would provide the Texans with a pass rusher on the inside while Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter wreak havoc off the edge.
They tried to head in a different direction last off-season, and it didn't work out in their favor. They would be wise to sign Rankins and have him on the team for the 2025 campaign.