Texans’ Running Back Room: Time for a Reset?
The Houston Texans are staring down a pivotal offseason when it comes to their backfield. After a year of waiting for Dameon Pierce to rediscover his rookie form and hoping Joe Mixon could shake off the injury bug, the Texans are still left with more questions than answers at running back. And now, with free agency and the draft looming, it’s clear the team has a decision to make: build around what they have, or go hunting for a true bell cow.
Woody Marks: Durable, but Dented
Let’s start with Woody Marks. The 2025 rookie didn’t exactly light up the stat sheet, but he didn’t disappear either.
Marks logged 703 yards on 196 carries, averaging 3.6 yards per tote. Not eye-popping numbers, but he showed toughness and durability in a season that wore him down as it went on.
He took his lumps, and that kind of experience matters. But is he the long-term answer?
That’s still up in the air.
Nick Chubb: Veteran Presence, Limited Shelf Life
Then there’s Nick Chubb. At 30, he’s no longer the game-breaking force he once was, but he still brings value.
Chubb posted 506 yards on 122 carries, a solid 4.1 yards per carry. He’s efficient, experienced, and can still punch it in near the goal line.
But with a crowded backfield and limited snaps to go around, it’s fair to wonder if Houston will bring him back. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley may prefer to clear space for younger legs, especially with Chubb hitting free agency.
Jawhar Jordan: Flash Without the Finish
Jawhar Jordan gave fans a glimpse of his potential with a breakout performance against Arizona, rushing for 101 yards on just 15 carries (6.7 YPC). But that flash was followed by a fade - just 89 yards combined over the next two games. The 2024 sixth-round pick has had two seasons to stake his claim as the lead back, but consistency remains the missing ingredient.
So what’s next? The Texans could look to free agency, where some intriguing names are about to hit the market.
Top Free Agent Targets
Breece Hall: The Big Name on the Board
Breece Hall headlines the 2026 free agent class. The soon-to-be former Jet has racked up 3,398 yards on 755 carries (4.5 YPC) since entering the league in 2022.
At 5’11”, 217 pounds, Hall brings a blend of power and speed that teams covet. He’s expected to command a deal north of $10 million per year - not outrageous for a feature back, but still a significant investment.
Hall’s durability and production make him a tempting target. But does he fit what the Texans want?
Caley’s offense leans toward a punishing, downhill run game, and while Hall can grind out tough yards, he’s not exactly a freight train. Still, with his all-around skill set and top-graded marks from PFF (84.4 overall), Hall is going to draw interest league-wide.
Travis Etienne: Versatility with a Side of Flash
Travis Etienne finally found his groove in 2025, notching his second 1,100+ yard season with 1,107 yards on 260 carries (4.3 YPC). He’s also been a reliable weapon in the passing game, hauling in 168 receptions for 1,338 yards over his four-year career.
Etienne’s versatility could be a major asset for C.J. Stroud, offering a safety valve and a dynamic open-field threat.
He’s the type of back who can make something out of nothing - and that’s gold in today’s NFL. But again, fit matters.
Etienne thrives in space, not necessarily between the tackles. Caley may prefer a more physical back to anchor his offense.
Still, poaching Etienne from a division rival like Jacksonville would be a win in more ways than one.
Kenneth Walker: The Playoff Hero (with a Price Tag)
Kenneth Walker turned heads with a dominant postseason, rushing for 313 yards and four touchdowns over three playoff games. His 135-yard performance against the Patriots was a statement - and likely earned him a massive payday.
Walker’s stock has never been higher, and he’s expected to command a contract in the $35 million range. That’s a tough pill to swallow for a Texans team with other priorities and a young quarterback still on his rookie deal. As much as Walker would elevate the offense, the financial math just doesn’t add up for Houston.
Looking to the Draft
If free agency doesn’t yield the right fit, the Texans could turn to the 2026 NFL Draft, where several intriguing prospects offer different flavors of what this offense might need.
Jeremiyah Love: Explosive, but Scheme Fit Questions
Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love is widely considered the top running back prospect in this class. He brings breakaway speed and elite tackle-breaking ability, earning a 97 rating in that category from NFLDraftBuzz. But his work between the tackles has raised some eyebrows, and that might be a sticking point for Caley’s run-first, gap-heavy scheme.
Love can be a game-changer in the right system, but Houston may need a more physical presence to complement what they already have.
Jonah Coleman: Built for the Grind
Washington’s Jonah Coleman might be exactly what the Texans are looking for. At 5’8” and 228 pounds, he’s a compact, powerful runner who thrives in traffic. He lacks elite top-end speed, but he makes up for it with vision, balance, and the ability to run through contact.
Coleman fits the mold of a classic between-the-tackles runner - think Maurice Jones-Drew - and he could be the missing piece in a backfield that needs a tone-setter. Pair him with Marks and Jordan, and suddenly you’ve got a versatile, complementary trio.
Emmett Johnson: Elusive and Electric
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson brings a different skill set to the table. He’s elusive, quick, and dangerous in the open field. While he doesn’t have the size or power of a Coleman, he offers value as a pass-catching back who can turn a check-down into a chunk play.
Johnson would need to bulk up to handle a full workload, but his agility and field vision make him an intriguing prospect - especially in an offense that’s already loaded with speed and playmakers.
The Bottom Line
The Texans don’t just want another running back - they need one. Whether it’s a proven veteran like Hall or Etienne, or a rookie like Coleman or Johnson, Houston has to find a back who can take pressure off C.J. Stroud, punish defenses, and keep the offense on schedule.
Marks has shown flashes. Jordan has potential.
Chubb could return - but the Texans still lack a true lead dog. With free agency and the draft just around the corner, the front office has no shortage of options.
Now it’s just a matter of picking the right one.