The Houston Texans may need some help at wide receiver after losing wideout Jayden Higgins for the season to a torn ACL on Tuesday.
Losing Higgins is not great for a Texans offense trying to contend for a Super Bowl, with Tank Dell coming off an injury and wideout Jaylin Noel more geared for a slot-heavy diet in the scheme.
If the Texans look outside the building for some wide receiver help to pair with Nico Collins, Xavier Hutchinson, Noel and Dell, who could they turn to this late in the offseason?
Let's run through five options that would make sense as depth receivers for the Texans at this point in August.
WR DeAndre Hopkins
Hopkins is coaching at Georgia Tech right now, but he hasn't actually retired yet. A reunion with the Texans would make so much sense; he's
a franchise legend who could, like outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, return to the team that drafted him and help try to bring a Super Bowl to Houston. This is the feel-good option for the Texans.
WR Brandin Cooks
Cooks performed admirably for the Buffalo Bills last year after joining the team, proving he's still got something left in the tank. He played for Houston from 2020-2022, so there is some familiarity with the franchise, too. If Cooks wants to keep his NFL career going, the Texans would be a great landing spot for him right now.
WR Curtis Samuel
Samuel had a down 2025 with the Bills, but he's been pretty productive in the past as part of a wideout rotation. He's got explosive ability from his days with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders; perhaps he could put that to use with a rebound in Houston?
WR Josh Reynolds
Reynolds had a quiet 2025 with the New York Jets, but he's a dependable veteran who could add depth to the roster. We're not sure what Houston is looking for, but Reynolds could at least offer some experience.
WR Gabe Davis
If Davis is healed from his January ACL tear, perhaps he could factor in as a depth option for Houston who, in the past, has provided a deep threat with his speed. He'd at least be a good practice squad candidate.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 possible Jayden Higgins replacements for Texas, with 2 familiar faces
