Texans Already Cut Ties With 4 Players This Offseason

The Houston Texans saw their 2024 season end in the divisional round against the Kansas City Chiefs, losing 23-14. The Texans fought valiantly, but it wasn’t enough as the Chiefs made key plays down the stretch to advance to the AFC title game.

After losing in the playoffs to the Chiefs, the Texans got a head start on their 90-man roster for the 2025 season. Houston signed 13 players to future/reserve contracts. Some of these players were on the Texans’ practice squad this season and will get a chance to compete for a 53-man roster spot in training camp and preseason.

However, the Texans did not re-sign everyone from the practice squad, which means they are free agents heading into the offseason. Houston didn’t give a futures deal to fullback Andrew Beck, wide receiver Alex Erickson, wide receiver Jaxon Janke, and offensive tackle Kilian Zierer.

Zierer was designated as Houston’s International Pathway Program player this season as he’s a native of Munich, Bavaria.

Beck, who spent the 2023 season with the Texans, was shockingly released by Houston at the end of the preseason. The veteran fullback was immediately picked up three days later by the Green Bay Packers and signed to their practice squad.

The 28-year-old Beck appeared in three games with the Packers but was released on Oct. 22 by Green Bay. The veteran returned to Houston, signing to the practice squad on Nov. 28, and was elevated twice.

Beck was elevated ahead of the divisional round matchup against the Chiefs but was assigned back to the practice squad after the loss. If Beck wants to return to Houston next season, he'll likely sign a deal in free agency.

Meanwhile, Erickson was signed to Houston’s practice squad on Jan. 15 after appearing in three games with the New England Patriots. The 32-year-old wideout will try to latch on with another team this offseason.

Finally, Janke was signed to the practice squad on New Year’s Eve after the Texans released him in the summer. Janke had a stellar five-year collegiate career at South Dakota State.