Top 53 Texans Free Agent Targets
Here are 53 names to pay attention to as free agency draws near.
The Houston Texans have a lot of holes to fill on this team, and they will turn to free agency to do that for some of them.
Here is my list of the top 53 free agents I would like the Texans to target. This does not include free agents who were Texans in 2023. It also isn’t the 53 best, just the ones I would like the Texans to consider. Are there more? Certainly. Most of these players are immediate starters for the Texans, but some could be key backups.
You will not find any quarterbacks, offensive linemen, or special teamers. I do not believe the Texans should prioritize those positions in free agency (and I hope they bring back Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn and punter Cam Johnston).
The players are not in any particular order within their positions.
Here’s the list of 53.
Running Backs (9)
Derrick Henry
D'Andre Swift
Tony Pollard
Saquon Barkley
Gus Edwards
Josh Jacobs
Zack Moss
Austin Ekeler
Antonio Gibson
Some of these replace the need for Devin Singletary to return and some of these I wouldn’t sign without a good running partner in the room.
Wide Receivers (10)
Mike Evans
Michael Pittman
Calvin Ridley
Gabe Davis
Tee Higgins
Curtis Samuel
Josh Reynolds
Hollywood Brown
Darnell Mooney
Cedrick Wilson
There is a WIDE range of talent here. The Texans could add a star to go with Nico Collins and Tank Dell or a piece that fits behind them in the pecking order. I know the Texans need to add some wideout talent to the room.
Tight Ends (4)
Hunter Henry
Noah Fant
Gerald Everett
Mike Gesicki
I strongly believe this team should bring back Dalton Schultz. If Schultz isn’t back, then Hunter Henry is my preference. The other three are worth considering though.
Defensive Ends/Edge (7)
Brian Burns
Chase Young
Josh Allen
Jadeveon Clowney
Danielle Hunter
Za'Darius Smith
Bryce Huff
There are varying levels of cost and talent and fit within this list. I trust DeMeco Ryans to make just about anybody fit on his defense, so I don’t worry too much about that. The 49ers had a solid defensive line and then invested some more. I expect Ryans will not stop investing in his defensive line anytime soon. Some of these names are immediately eliminated if the team brings back Jonathan Greenard.
Defensive Tackles (8)
Chris Jones
Justin Madubuike
Leonard Williams
D.J. Reader
Javon Kinlaw
Christian Wilkins
Fletcher Cox
Grover Stewart
This is another group with a lot of options and plenty of tax brackets to wade through. Chris Jones would be a wonderful addition, but so would so many other players on this list.
Linebackers (6)
Patrick Queen
Devin White
Frankie Luvu
Josey Jewell
Azeez Al-Shaair
Jordyn Brooks
Finding someone that fits with Christian Harris is a goal this offseason. Some of these players are in their prime and some are on the down slope, but it’s worth checking in on these names.
Cornerbacks (5)
L'Jarius Sneed
Jaylon Johnson
Kendall Fuller
Stephon Gilmore
Chidobe Awuzie
The team won’t need to go this route if they bring back Steven Nelson. If Nelson is playing elsewhere, I like a veteran opposite Derek Stingley. Again, lots of options for the team to pick from in this category.
Safeties (4)
Antoine Winfield Jr.
Kamren Curl
Geno Stone
Kyle Dugger
I do believe Jimmie Ward and Jalent Pitre are slated to start. If the Texans wanted to strengthen the position while making one of them a depth piece, I would look at these names. Dugger is a bit more of a hybrid than a true safety.
As news pops up about some of these targets, or they come off the market before free agency I will attempt to replace them. Feel free to always check back on this list.