The Houston Texans made it clear in 2025-they’re not just a feel-good story anymore. With 12 wins, an AFC South title, and a roster that looks more like a blueprint than a fluke, DeMeco Ryans has this team operating like one of the AFC’s most well-constructed contenders.
But in the NFL, success isn’t just about building something great-it’s about keeping it that way. And after a postseason exit that still stings, Houston enters the most fragile phase of roster building: deciding who’s essential to their long-term vision, and who’s replaceable without shaking the foundation.
Let’s start with the regular season. Houston didn’t just win games-they made a statement.
A 12-5 record and a division crown backed up the belief that this team had arrived. CJ Stroud looked every bit the franchise quarterback, running an offense that was both efficient and explosive.
The defense, built in Ryans’ image, was disciplined, physical, and opportunistic. When the Texans had a lead, they knew how to protect it-and that’s not something you can fake.
The pass rush was relentless, the secondary made teams pay for mistakes, and the whole operation felt like it was built to last.
That momentum carried right into the Wild Card round, where the Texans didn’t just beat the Steelers-they dismantled them. It felt like a changing of the guard. Stroud was in total control, the defense suffocated Pittsburgh’s offense, and for a week, Houston looked like a team ready to crash the AFC’s elite party.
Then came the trip to Foxborough.
In a cold, rainy Divisional Round matchup against the Patriots, everything that had worked for Houston all season suddenly unraveled. The Texans fell 28-16, and the loss was as frustrating as it was decisive.
Stroud, who had been so composed all year, threw a career-high four interceptions. The offense never found its rhythm.
The defense held its own and kept the game within reach, but the turnovers were just too much to overcome. It wasn’t about getting outclassed-it was about self-inflicted wounds.
Still, one bad day in January doesn’t erase a season full of growth. The Texans are in a good place.
But to stay there-and to take that next step-they have to get the details right this offseason. That means retaining the right pieces, preserving the chemistry that’s made them dangerous, and protecting the identity Ryans has worked so hard to establish.
Houston’s front office has been smart in free agency under Ryans, bringing in targeted talent that fits the system. But that success has created its own challenge.
Several key contributors are set to hit the open market-offensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive linemen among them. With around $13.3 million in projected cap space, the Texans don’t have endless flexibility-especially if they’re looking to extend cornerstones like Stroud or Will Anderson Jr. early.
The good news? Most of Houston’s pending free agents aren’t likely to command top-tier money.
Many are depth pieces who can be replaced. But a few guys bring more than just production-they bring leadership, versatility, and a deep understanding of the scheme.
Those are the players Houston needs to prioritize. Let’s take a closer look at three of them.
Denico Autry - Defensive Line
Key stats: 3.5 sacks, 3 tackles for loss, 4 quarterback hits
Autry’s numbers won’t jump off the page, but his impact is undeniable. He’s not the Texans’ sack leader, but he’s one of their most important chess pieces up front.
Ryans used him as an edge on early downs and kicked him inside in passing situations. That versatility disrupted protections and freed up guys like Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to do damage without constantly facing double teams.
Autry is the kind of player who makes everyone around him better. His ability to move across the line gives Ryans the flexibility to mix up looks and keep offenses guessing. With several interior linemen also heading toward free agency, letting Autry walk would mean more than losing a solid veteran-it would mean losing a key piece of what makes this defense so adaptable.
Tommy Townsend - Punter
Key stats: 47.6 net punting average, 30 punts inside the 20
Special teams rarely get the spotlight, but Townsend quietly gave Houston a real edge all season. He wasn’t just a punter-he was a field position weapon.
In tight games, his ability to pin opponents deep gave the Texans’ defense a longer runway to work with. That matters in a league where margins are razor-thin.
And in the playoffs, special teams matter even more. The Texans felt that in Foxborough.
Townsend fits perfectly into Houston’s complementary football philosophy. Replacing him might save a few dollars, but it could also cost the Texans one of their most underrated advantages.
Christian Harris - Linebacker
Key stats: 11 total tackles, 1 pass defensed
Don’t let the stat line fool you-Harris is a difference-maker. Even after dealing with injury, he remained one of the most dynamic linebackers on the roster. His speed and range allowed Houston to cover ground in the middle of the field, which is critical in a conference loaded with athletic tight ends and backs who can catch out of the backfield.
At just 25, Harris still has room to grow, and his skill set fits Ryans’ system to a tee. With other linebackers on the roster aging into their 30s, letting Harris go would create a hole that’s tough to fill-especially long-term.
The Texans don’t need a dramatic overhaul to keep climbing. They’ve already built something strong.
What they need now is continuity in the right places. Bringing back Autry, Townsend, and Harris wouldn’t blow up the cap, but it would help preserve the identity and structure of a team that’s already proven it can win.
In a league where windows close quickly, Houston’s best move this offseason is to protect what’s already working-and build from there.