The Houston Texans' frustration with C.J. Stroud's lack of progress in the 2024 season has been well-covered. While the quarterback is still among the league's top starters, there was an expectation after an incredible rookie year that the starter would ascend to the levels of Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.
In hopes of helping the franchise star, the Texans brought in Graham Mertz as a development project and retained former starter Davis Mills. It is a solid room completed by Kedon Slovis, who was a part of Houston's practice squad in the 2024 season.
What's incredibly clear is that Houston has no intention of carrying four quarterbacks heading into this season. One player is quickly going to find himself on the outs of the competition, and there is already a frontrunner there.
Notable play with the 3rd team:
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) July 30, 2025
CB Tremon Smith intercepts Kedon Slovis. Probably would have been called a sack on Tommy Togiai, though.
Texans QB Kedon Slovis Is Destined to Be Late-August Roster Cut
Slovis was signed by as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts before landing with the Texans as a member of the practice squad. While his familiarity does give him a potential boost, the early returns in camp haven't done much to quell the Mertz hype.
Houston showed some belief by spending a pick on the former Florida standout, and the team is going to side with its more notable investment if Slovis fails to clearly prove he's the top QB3 choice.
Slovis currently projects as the odd man out on depth chart of Stroud, Mills, and Mertz. This means that barring injury, the roster spots are already taken, and this is simply a team going through the motions, filling camp and preseason reps. Whether this means a new landing spot or rejoining the practice squad, there isn't much a role for Slovis in H-Town moving forward.
For Slovis, it is hard to see the quarterback finding a landing spot on an active roster. If his career is going to continue in the league, it will require an injury or accepting a role as a member of a practice squad.