2. Kenyon Green, Guard
With Mason sent packing, Green could be the next one to follow as the Texans could look to revamp their offensive line this offseason.
Second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud was under constant pressure last season as he was sacked 52 times, 14 more than his rookie season (38). Not all of that is Green’s fault, but he played a part in Houston’s offensive line struggles.
This past season, the former first-round pick was the worst offensive line on the Texans. He had a 39.7 pass block grade and 44.6 run block grade. The Texans did not expect that from a former first-round pick, who has had an up-and-down tenure in the Lone Star State.
As a rookie, Green had a 37.7 overall grade, which was ranked 77th among 77 guards. His grade did not improve years later, as it only went up to 38.6 (ranked 76th) this past season.
Green missed the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury he suffered in Houston’s preseason finale. After missing his second year, the Texans hoped Green would put it altogether in 2024, but that didn’t come to fruition.
The 23-year-old offensive line also allowed five sacks and was penalized seven times in 582 offensive snaps. Based on what he’s done up to this point, Green’s future with the team does not look good. The Texans will likely not pick up the former first-round pick’s fifth-year option, opening the door to cut ties with him sooner rather than later.
3. Xavier Hutchinson, Wide Receiver
Mason’s release has nothing to do with Hutchinson’s standing on the team. However, with the Texans bringing in Christian Kirk and still possibly re-signing Stefon Diggs, Hutchinson could be on the outside looking in.
The former sixth-round pick has done much in his first two years in the league. Hutchinson saw more offensive snaps this past season (47%) than he did as a rookie (26%), leading to 12 receptions (26 targets) for 117 yards.
However, that isn’t enough production on a team looking for someone else to step up when Tank Dell suffered a devastating leg injury in Week 16. Without Dell in the lineup, Houston would’ve loved to see Hutchinson and/or John Metchie III step up.
That did not happen to end the regular season as Hutchinson had three receptions (six targets) for 26 games in Weeks 17 and 18. However, the former Iowa State receiver made his presence felt in the AFC divisional game with four receptions (six targets) for 52 yards.
If the Texans could get more of that from Hutchinson, it would help out the offense a ton as he’s 6-foot-3, 210 pounds.
Given Dell’s recovery heading into next season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Texans add more weapons and competition to the WR room. They already started with the acquisition of Kirk, and with free agency and the draft soon, more moves could be on the horizon.