The Houston Texans have used the offseason to find different ways to bolster their roster. They have fallen short in the divisional round for two consecutive playoffs and needed to switch things around.
The 2025 NFL draft was a big area where the Texans added new players, but they also utilized free agency as an outlet.
They didn't break the bank, but made some low-cost signings. One playmaker they signed was receiver Justin Watson. He inked a two-year, $5 million deal with $3 million guaranteed. He was added to be a depth piece for Houston, and his contract is a nice deal for the team.
Justin Watson Already Seems to Be Underpaid
Watson came into the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2018 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and spent the first four years of his career there. He then joined the Kansas City Chiefs from 2022-2024 and provided insurance in the receiver room.
In 50 games (20 starts) with the Chiefs, Watson had 64 catches (119 targets) for 1,064 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He also averaged 16.6 yards per reception, showcasing his ability to stretch the field.
Watson has gone over 250 yards and scored at least two touchdowns in three straight seasons for the Chiefs. Additionally, he won three Super Bowls in Kansas City.
He's bringing that championship DNA over to Houston and will be a solid veteran in that receiver room.
In addition to Watson, the Texans traded for Christian Kirk before drafting Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in April.
They join Nico Collins, who is the WR1, but these guys all bring something else to the table. Watson is a reliable veteran who can stretch the field and has experience playing in big games. The Texans want to take that next step, and having guys like Watson on the team goes a long way.
Even though he's not going to be a consistent weapon in the passing game weekly, his experience and knowledge will go a long way. That's something you can't put a price on.