To say that the Houston Texans' offensive line is the biggest concern moving into the 2025 season is a clear understatement. Houston devolved at the position and left reason to wonder how much protection C.J. Stroud is going to get when the game matters most. Houston not only opted not to drastically improve the position but also moved away from key pieces. This included George Fant, who started down the stretch of the season for the franchise.
While the Texans still have all the needed pieces to win the division, there is reason to wonder if the offensive line can hold up to make a playoff run. Stroud's biggest issue last season was often a lack of trust in his pieces. Much of the regression can be pointed to the changes that pushed the quarterback's confidence in the wrong direction. With this in mind, it is shocking that the franchise hasn't made the offensive line a higher priority.
This trend continued with Fant landing with the Washington Commanders. While the lineman was far from perfect, the experience in the Houston offense was a clear advantage. It made sense to bring the veteran back, even if it was simply as a depth piece.
#Commanders signing veteran tackle George Fant per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 19, 2025
Texans Miss Obvious Opportunity to Bring Back Needed Depth
Aaron Wilson reported the signing of Fant with the Commanders, continuing an offseason trend of bringing in veteran pieces to help continue to build off last season's run. Jayden Daniels took the torch from Stroud when it comes to impressive rookie quarterbacks making surprise runs. Now, Stroud's former teammate will attempt to help the franchise in year two for the impressive young quarterback.
For Fant, this is a chance to stick in the league a bit longer after bouncing around in a myriad of roles. The veteran is just good enough to make rosters and provide depth, but not an ideal starter. This was the reason why the Texans opted to move on after the 2024 season. Still, it is easy to argue that this was the wrong decision.
Houston could easily sign Fant and have a piece that has extensive starting experience with the offense and gives much-needed depth. It isn't as if the franchise lacked the cap space or roster spot with the obvious struggles throughout camp and the offseason. It is a move the team should've at least attempted before letting the veteran find a new landing spot.