Following a second consecutive divisional-round exit, the Houston Texans desperately want to get over the hump in 2025 and make a deep postseason run. The biggest reason they weren't able to take a step forward last season was the regression on the offensive side of the ball.
After falling to 19th in scoring and 22nd in total offense, the Texans moved on from offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and replaced him with Nick Caley.
The changes on that side of the ball will likely not end there. General manager Nick Caserio has tough decisions to make this offseason, including about the free agencies of Stefon Diggs and Robert Woods.
The running back position may seem safe at the hands of Joe Mixon, but there has been quiet speculation about his potential departure this offseason. The 28-year-old rusher had another Pro Bowl season with 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games. However, he has a $9.5 million cap hit for 2025 and $10.5 million for 2026. Considering how limited the Texans are financially, with no cap space projected for the offseason, moving on from Mixon remains a possibility.
While a Mixon trade is still unlikely, the Texans have a chance to make changes in their RB rotation after the latest news out of Miami.
Dolphins informed former Pro-Bowl running back Raheem Mostert that they are releasing him, per his agent Brett Tessler. pic.twitter.com/Q7D2UUc3le
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 14, 2025
Raheem Mostert Could Be Intriguing Free Agent Signing for the Texans
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Friday that the Dolphins were releasing Raheem Mostert, making him a free agent. As the 32-year-old rusher looks for his first Super Bowl win, joining the Texans could make sense for both sides.
Regardless of what the Texans do with Mixon, Mostert is an intriguing option. At this stage of his career, Mostert isn't an RB1 but he showed that he can still be effective in his role behind De'Von Achane last season. After his dominant 2023 season when he ran for 1,012 yards and 18 touchdowns, the lingering injuries took a toll on Mostert, limiting him to 13 games last season.
On a one-year deal, Mostert could work well in the Texans rotation. He will be allowed to sign with any team once free agency officially begins on March 12. Whether Houston will be on the market for a running back remains to be seen.