The Houston Texans used a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to take a swing on Florida quarterback Graham Mertz, selecting him 197th overall. At the time, it was a low-risk move with potential upside-a classic depth play behind franchise cornerstone C.J. Stroud and veteran backup Davis Mills.
At 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, Mertz came into the league with a solid frame and a college résumé that showed flashes of dual-threat capability. Over six years in college, he racked up 9,099 passing yards, 64 touchdowns through the air, 31 interceptions, and added 13 scores on the ground. He also showed impressive growth as a passer, notching completion percentages of 72.9% in 2023 and a remarkable 76.6% in 2024-though his final year was cut short by injury after just five games.
Preseason Glimpse: Mertz Makes a Statement
Given the quarterback room in Houston, Mertz was always going to be a developmental piece in 2025. Stroud continued to solidify his status as the Texans’ franchise QB, leading the team to nine wins, while Mills posted a respectable 4-4 record in relief, including three starts and one appearance off the bench.
But preseason is where depth chart dreams are made-or broken-and Mertz made the most of his limited window. In the Texans’ final preseason game, he turned heads with a sharp performance against the Detroit Lions, completing 14 of 16 passes for 145 yards, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 125.3. It was the kind of outing that doesn’t just keep you on the roster-it puts you in the conversation.
A Potential Shift at QB2?
Now, with rumblings around the league suggesting that Davis Mills could be on the trade block, Mertz might be inching closer to a more prominent role. If Mills is indeed moved, Mertz could find himself stepping into the QB2 spot behind Stroud as early as training camp.
Financially, it would make sense for Houston to roll with a low-cost backup. The Texans still have several areas on offense that need reinforcement-offensive line depth, a more consistent run game, and some help at tight end. That makes it less likely they’ll invest heavily in a high-priced veteran backup.
That said, this isn’t a free pass for Mertz. If the Texans aren’t sold on him as the next man up, they could dip into the veteran market.
Names like Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Will Levis, and even Russell Wilson are floating in free agency or trade discussions. General manager Nick Caserio will have options if Mertz doesn’t continue to progress.
Why QB Depth Matters in Houston
Here’s the reality: no team wants to rely on their backup quarterback. But in the NFL, it's not a matter of if you’ll need them-it’s when.
Houston has already lived that truth. Twice in the last two seasons, they’ve had to survive stretches without Stroud due to concussion-related absences.
In 2023, it was Case Keenum who stepped in, going 1-1 in critical games against the Titans and Browns. Last season, it was Mills who answered the call, going 3-3 in a tough stretch that included the Jaguars, Titans, and Bills.
Each of those games came down to the wire, and Houston managed to stay afloat, keeping their postseason hopes alive until Stroud returned.
That’s why the Texans can’t afford to get the backup situation wrong. Whether it’s Mertz, a veteran, or someone else entirely, the guy behind Stroud needs to be ready to win games-not just manage them.
What’s Next for Mertz?
The path forward for Graham Mertz is clear: keep stacking good reps, stay healthy, and make the most of every opportunity. The Texans have seen what happens when the backup QB becomes the starter, even if just for a few weeks. If Mertz can prove he’s ready to handle that responsibility, he could carve out a long-term role in Houston’s quarterback room.
The Texans don’t need Mertz to be a star. They just need him to be steady, smart, and capable if and when his number is called.
Based on what we saw in the preseason, he’s got a shot. Now it’s up to him to keep building on that momentum.