The Houston Texans suffered a setback in the 2024 season though still have a strong foundation to compete for the future centered around C.J. Stroud, a talented defensive line, and an emerging skill-position group.
That said, this team was obviously worse than most of the contenders in the NFL. Changes are necessary and this roster won't be the same in 2025.
Houston ranked fourth in opponent yards per play (5.1), but 19th in yards per play (5.2). They fired offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik in search of a more adaptable offensive scheme, though the changes may only just be getting started.
One pending free agent, All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs, has likely played his final down for the Texans and fans should expect him to find a new franchise in 2025.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs Likely to Find New Team Next Season
Look at this catch by Stefon Diggs. Boom. #Bills pic.twitter.com/C0lEVWBaZx
— Bradley Gelber (@BradleyGelber) September 20, 2020
When Diggs was on the field, he was extremely productive and a perfect pairing with Nico Collins and Tank Dell. With the latter facing a long recovery from his devastating knee injury, it'd make sense to bring Diggs back in a vacuum.
Unfortunately, these decisions are made with context in mind. Diggs played in only eight games this season due to a torn ACL and is known to be a problem in the locker room. He made over $22 million in 2024 but at this point, the 31-year-old receiver doesn't make the impact he'd need to justify that salary.
Diggs caught 47 passes for 496 yards and three TDs in eight games. Those are strong numbers, though they aren't good enough to justify the drama and contract. This snapped a streak of six consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards and based on the respective timelines of the Texans' championship window, Diggs probably shouldn't return.
Instead of spending money on Diggs, the Texans would be wise to bolster the offensive line and look for running back depth. Joe Mixon isn't getting any younger, and Stroud needs a more stable foundation with which to grow.
Significant changes are on the horizon for this franchise. Houston is clearly the class of the AFC South yet a tier below the truly great teams. To break through that glass ceiling, the Texans must spend money wisely.
That means letting All-Pro talents like Diggs go to invest in the future. By firing Slowik, the Texans let us know what their intentions are.
It was fun to have Diggs in Houston for a year, but it's time for both sides to go in different directions.