The Houston Texans have been making waves this offseason with a flurry of trades and free agent signings. While the sheer volume of moves is impressive, opinions on their effectiveness vary.
The Texans addressed several key areas, bringing in or retaining some top-tier talent. Yet, according to ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak, their efforts landed them at No. 13 on his list of top free agent classes. Let's break down the reasoning behind this ranking.
Solak praised the Texans' secondary moves, particularly the signing of Blankenship. The Texans' secondary was on the brink of greatness, needing just one more piece to elevate their game.
Blankenship might not be a perennial Pro Bowler, but his role as a steady, reliable leader complements rising stars like Calen Bullock, Derek Stingley Jr., and Kamari Lassiter. Landing him for $8.25 million per year, especially when compared to Kam Curl’s $12 million and Jalen Thompson’s $11 million, is a savvy move by GM Nick Caserio.
However, Solak expressed concerns about the offensive line's cohesion. The Texans made several moves, retaining Trent Brown and signing Smith at tackle, while also keeping Ingram and bringing in Teller at guard.
The challenge lies in how these pieces fit together. The Texans usually favor larger tackles, so the decision to bring in Smith, who is on the smaller side, raises questions.
Will he shift to guard, and how will that impact the dynamic with Teller and Ingram?
Braden Smith, despite not being the blockbuster addition like former Texan Tytus Howard, showed his mettle as one of the top linemen in 2025. His versatility and willingness to adapt could be key in bolstering the line, even if his fit at tackle is uncertain.
As the offseason continues, the Texans might still look to the draft to further strengthen their line. One thing is clear: Houston is committed to improving their roster.
Whether these moves will translate into on-field success remains to be seen, but the effort to enhance their offensive line is undeniable. The upcoming season will be the true test of whether these strategic moves will pay off.