One of the biggest priorities in the offseason for the Houston Texans is upgrading the offensive line after starting quarterback C.J. Stroud got hammered last season. The second-year QB was sacked 52 times in 2024, which was significantly more than his rookie season (38).
The Texans’ offensive line woes were under the microscope in the divisional round as the young quarterback was running for his life. The Kansas City Chiefs sacked Stroud eight times and had 14 quarterback hits.
With that being the last game everyone remembers, the Texans knew they had to do something. Before free agency began, Houston released veteran offensive guard Shaq Mason late last week. Then to kick off the legal tampering period, the team shockingly traded left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for draft capital.
To make matters worse, the team hasn’t done anything to solidify the interior offensive line as countless guards have signed, including former Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries. Fries was signed to a five-year, $88 million contract.
Instead, the Texans have signed veteran wide receivers Braxton Berrios and Justin Watson to one-year deals. While Houston needs more receiver depth, the team must also protect their young quarterback in Stroud.
Last season, Houston ranked 22nd in pass block win rate (58%) and 31st in run block win rate (68%), per ESPN Analytics. That might be good enough to win the AFC South, which the Texans have done over the last two years.
But if the Texans want to compete with the Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills, they need to revamp this offensive line.
As things currently stand through one day of NFL free agency, the Texans’ starting offensive line looks like this – LT Zach Thomas, LG Tytus Howard, C Jarrett Patterson, RG Kendrick Green (current free agent), and RT Blake Fisher.
Texans fans hope this isn’t the same starting offensive line when the regular season begins in September. The good news for Houston fans is a few adequate offensive line options are still available in Mekhi Becton, Kevin Zeitler, Cam Robinson, etc.
However, the Texans’ front office cannot wait around or those options will be gone too.