April is more than halfway finished, meaning there's less than a week before the 2025 NFL draft.
Houston Texans fans are hopeful that general manager Nick Caserio can find some impact prospects at next week's draft. Morale is high in Houston after the Texans' 10-win performance in 2024, and Caserio now has the chance to build on that momentum with seven upcoming picks — including the 25th overall selection.
Members of the incoming rookie class will likely push some of the Texans' underperforming veterans out of a job, including one running back whose role is in jeopardy.
Texans News: Dameon Pierce's Job is in Jeopardy Ahead of NFL Draft
When it comes to Texans who could be on thin ice before the 2025 draft, look no further than veteran running back Dameon Pierce. He was Houston's No. 2 RB behind Joe Mixon last season, however, a lackluster performance could see Caserio replace the ex-Florida Gator with an incoming rookie backfield threat.
Drafted 107th overall in 2022, it wasn't long ago when Pierce was poised to be the Texans' franchise RB. The Bainbridge, GA native racked up 939 rushing yards on 220 carries and 165 receiving yards on 30 receptions with five total touchdowns as a rookie, leaving Houston fans to feel optimistic about the backfield's future.
Unfortunately, Pierce's performance took a step back when Devin Singletary took over the RB room in 2023, and that trend continued when Mixon assumed RB1 duties last year. The 2024 campaign ended up being Pierce's least productive to date, finishing with only 40 carries for 293 rushing yards and two TDs in 11 outings without a start.
Even though that isn't the worst rushing performance in the NFL, it's worth noting that most of Pierce's output came when he posted a 19-176-1 stat line against the Tennessee Titans in Week 18.
Pierce's role with the Texans is clearly diminishing with each passing season, and it wouldn't be a surprise if they're ready to move on this offseason. The draft boasts RB prospects available on each day that can provide Houston with more upside than Pierce does, whether they're looking for someone who can make an immediate impact or a long-term project.
If the Texans want to cut ties with him, trading or waiving Pierce at any point this offseason will create $1.1 million in savings, according to OverTheCap. The freed-up cap space might be too much for Houston to turn down, especially if there aren't any plans to re-sign the veteran RB next offseason.
Unless the front office and coaching staff are fully confident in a bounce-back performance, Pierce's time in H-Town might already be over. Assume that the Texans are ready to move on from the former fourth-rounder if they leave Green Bay with a rookie RB next week.
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