Since entering the NFL in 2002, the Houston Texans have taken 14 swings at drafting a tight end. It’s been a revolving door of players, with varying levels of production, but only one name truly stands out in franchise history: Owen Daniels.
Let’s break it down.
The Daniels Standard
Drafted in the fourth round back in 2006 out of Wisconsin, Daniels didn’t just carve out a role-he set the standard. In eight seasons with Houston, he became the franchise’s all-time leader among tight ends in virtually every meaningful category: 4,617 receiving yards, 29 touchdowns, 385 receptions, and 100 games played. He averaged over 46 yards per game-a testament to his consistency and importance in the Texans’ passing attack during his prime.
But since Daniels, it’s been a long and winding road.
A Decade of Searching
From 2013 to 2025, the Texans drafted nine tight ends. That’s nearly one every season.
Some showed flashes, others barely saw the field, and a few were derailed by injuries. Here’s a quick look at the post-Daniels era:
- Ryan Griffin (2013): Solid contributor over six seasons, with 1,491 yards and 7 touchdowns in 77 games.
- **C.J.
Fiedorowicz** (2014): Showed promise before concussions cut his career short.
- Jordan Akins (2018): Productive in spurts, logging over 1,700 yards across five seasons.
- Jordan Thomas, Kahale Warring, Brevin Jordan, Teagan Quitoriano, Cade Stover, Luke Lachey: A mix of brief stints, injury setbacks, and developmental projects still trying to find their footing.
None of these names came close to matching Daniels’ impact. And while free agent signings like Joel Dreessen and Darren Fells had their moments, they weren’t long-term solutions either.
Enter Dalton Schultz
That changed in 2023, when Houston signed former Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz to a one-year deal. He brought immediate stability-and production-to a position that had lacked both for years.
Now three seasons into his Texans tenure, Schultz has posted 1,944 receiving yards, 10 touchdowns, and 194 catches in 49 games. Those numbers already place him second in franchise history at the position in yards and receptions, and tied for fourth in touchdowns. Simply put, he’s been the most reliable tight end the Texans have had since Daniels.
His one-handed grab against the Colts earlier this season? That’s the kind of play that reminds you just how valuable a high-level tight end can be in today’s NFL.
What Comes Next?
Here’s where things get interesting.
Schultz is entering the final year of a three-year, $36 million extension. And while he’s been a steadying force, there’s been no clear signal from the Texans about their long-term plans at the position.
That opens the door to a big question: Is it time for Houston to find their next franchise tight end?
It’s worth noting that no Texans tight end-Daniels, Schultz, or anyone else-has ever hit 1,000 receiving yards in a season, recorded 100 catches, or earned an All-Pro nod. That’s not a knock on their contributions, but it does highlight the opportunity. In an era where elite tight ends can reshape an offense, Houston has yet to unlock that kind of game-changer.
Looking to the Draft
With nine picks in the 2026 NFL Draft-including four in the top 96-the Texans are well-positioned to address multiple needs. Most projections have them targeting the trenches, but if the right tight end prospect is there in the second or third round, don’t be surprised if they pull the trigger.
Names like Kenyon Sadiq, Max Klare, and Eli Stowers have been floated as potential fits. None are guarantees, of course-drafting a tight end is always a bit of a projection game. But selecting one of them would at least show that the Texans are thinking ahead, preparing for life after Schultz.
And who knows? Maybe one of these young prospects becomes that elusive, multi-dimensional weapon who can grow alongside Houston’s emerging offensive core.
Final Thought
The Texans have spent over two decades trying to find consistent production at tight end. They had it with Owen Daniels.
They’ve found it again, to a degree, with Dalton Schultz. But if they want to take the next step-if they want a tight end who doesn’t just contribute, but transforms the offense-2026 might be the time to go hunting once more.
Because in today’s NFL, a great tight end isn’t just a luxury. He’s a difference-maker.