In an era of one-year contracts and player-friendly deals, free agency is a significant aspect of the team building process. Especially for the Texans, as they still seek their first AFC Championship appearance,
all it could take is one or two key free agent decisions.
According to Jason from Over The Cap, the Houston Texans have the ninth most free agents heading into the 2026 offseason. Eight of their 23 free agents are on offense, including two impact starters on the offensive line.
Next Monday, I’ll outline the defensive side of the ball, s0 stay tuned for that.
While the offense has more room for improvement, they will need to decide whether to resign the below players or let then test the market.
Christian Kirk, WR
- 2025 Stats: 28 receptions, 239 yards, 1 TD
- Age by 2026 Season: 29
- Re-sign or Replace: REPLACE
- Analysis: While he had a career low year, Kirk made himself some money this post-season when he took over WR1 duties from a concussed Nico Collins. He failed to stand out in a crowded WR room full of young options. His role will be duplicative to Tank Dell, who should return to the lineup next season.
Ed Ingram, OG
- 14 games, 14 starts
- Age by 2026 Season: 27
- Re-sign or Replace: RE-SIGN
- Analysis: According to Spotrack, Ingram’s estimated Market Value is 10X what it was before the season. At just 27 years old, Ingram has resurrected his career in Houston and now carries a heavier price tag after one year with the Texans. This is a good interior offensive line class, which means Ingram can be replaced for cheap if the market gets too hot. Houston should retain Ingram to maintain continuity on an improving offensive line.
Nick Chubb, RB
- 2025 Stats: 15 games, 122 carries, 506 yards, 3 TDs
- Age by 2026 Season: 30
- Re-sign or Replace: REPLACE
- Analysis: A future Hall of Famer, Chubb isn’t the same back as he was in Cleveland. He’s a step slower and doesn’t possess the agility worth a second contract… even if Joe Mixon won’t be around next season.
Dare Ogumbowale, RB
- 2025 Stats: 17 games, 11 carries, 25 yards, 1 TD
- Age by 2026 Season: 32
- Re-sign or Replace: REPLACE
- Analysis: Ogunbowlae has blended in with the wallpaper in Houston. The coaching staff loves his special teams ability and blocking, but the aging RB should finally be passed over for higher-potential players.
Trent Brown, OT
- 2025 Stats: 7 games, 7 starts
- Age by 2026 Season 33
- Re-sign or Replace: RE-SIGN… post-draft
- Analysis: Houston’s offense has drastically improved since Brown’s entry mid-season. The veteran tackle elevated the line’s play to the best it had been since 2022. However, an ankle injury kept him out of the AFC Divisional Round. Brown should be let to explore free agency and brought back as a depth/short-term piece in pre-season to usher in a rookie right tackle for the future.
Non-discussion worthy cuts:
Braxton Berrios, WR – should have flown out to LA to be with Alix Earle
Harrison Bryant, TE – Veteran’s minimum, backup-TE only needed for break-glass scenarios
Jarrett Kingston, OG – young, training camp-worthy guard
