The NFL offseason comes in three phases. The first two get a majority of the headlines. The initial (or primary) free agency period where a team fills most of its holes, the NFL draft where teams add more depth and fill some glaring holes, and the secondary free agency market where teams can add those one or two more key players they were not able to acquire in the first two phases. So, that begs the first and primary question: what are the remaining holes?
Fortunately for the Texans, they can outfit
a starting 22 fairly easily. At most positions they have quality depth they can rely on now. That is the state of affairs for most of the playoff contenders in the league. However, each team is budgeted seven draft picks. Some will acquire additional picks through trades and compensation selections, but the implication remains the same: teams cannot possibly fill all of their wants and needs through premium draft selections.
The irony is that the best defense in the NFL might be the unit with the most holes. In particular, one of the positions that all of us here identified as a want in the NFL draft was edge rusher. The Texans are set to lose Denico Autry and Derek Barnett to free agency (they have yet to sign anywhere). It appears unlikely that they would want to re-sign them, so it is time to look at some other possibilities. Obviously, cash is limited so the contracts would have to be favorable.
Jadeveon Clowney
Clowney played for the Cowboys last season for nearly 3.5 million dollars. Spotrac has his value pegged at a shade over 5.7 million, That is obviously a little rich for the Texans blood. If they could get him under his 2025 rate then they might be able to afford that. The positives are clear. Clowney has been a dominant run defender and a very good pass rusher when he is at his very best. We are also well aware of the negatives.
He has played for seven teams and has become a bit of a journeyman at this point in his career. We know some of the issues here, but even without knowing you would have to wonder why. At any rate, you never know what he is looking for at this point in his career. He could be looking for a starting job and that isn’t happening here. He could be looking to finish his career where it started and play a role on the best defense in the NFL.
Key Stats: 8.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, 41 combined tackles
PFF: 79.2 overall, 70.6 run defense, 80.6 pass rush
For those unfamiliar with the PFF grades, those grades correspond to a very good starting defender and the pass rush grade is nearly elite. That came in 372 total defensive snaps. Traditionally, he has been a better run defender than pass defender which would fit the rotational needs of the Texans. More importantly, he would provide insurance in case either Will Anderson or Daniele Hunter miss time.
Haason Reddick
Reddick is in the same general career path as Clowney. He had four consecutive double digit sack seasons until 2024 when he began to taper off. The Bucs signed him last season as a rotational defender. Like with Clowney, the question would be what he wants at this stage in his career and whether the Texans could afford him. Unlike Clowney, there are other questions as to whether he would still be as effective as he once was.
Key Stats: 2.5 sacks, 31 combined tackles, six tackles for loss
PFF: 57.2 overall, 45.2 run defense, 60.1 pass rush
These scores come on the other end of the spectrum. He looks like a rotational player and not one capable of being a starter anymore. The good news is that he doesn’t have to be. He was on the field for 571 snaps last season, so perhaps he can bring more to the table if he is limited in his exposure. The cost is likely going to be in line with what the Texans want, so he might be a more realistic possibility.
Leonard Floyd
Floyd is another aging defensive end towards the end of his career. Spotrac has him pegged at ten million in value, so the Texans would need him to take much less at this point in his career. The Falcons seemingly do not want him back and his market was obviously tepid, so he could be a motivated target. Again, the question comes down to what he wants in his next team. If he is willing to take less and be a rotational player then he could fit the bill.
Key Stats: 3.5 sacks, 19 combined tackles, 5 tackles for loss
PFF: 60.1 overall, 60.0 run defense, 61.8 pass rush
The PFF scores of that of a below average starter or a good reserve. That is likely the sweet spot of what the Texans would want in a depth piece. He is a guy that could be a functional starter if he had to be, but his 460 snaps demonstrate that he probably isn’t a good bet to start anywhere at this point in his career. There are a few teams sniffing around his scent, but if he makes it into June without a contract the Texans could potentially sign him to a team friendly deal.
Putting it all together
The Texans defense has the potential to be crazy good. They have impressive depth at nearly every position, but defensive end is one where they are potentially thin. When teams have Super Bowl aspirations they need to turn over every rock to plug any potential holes they may have. Defensive end looks like the main hole we have, but we will continue to look at other positions and other potential players that could fill those holes. Obviously, cash is limited so the Texans might only be able to afford one additional player. Would you want a defensive end or another position?
