As the Houston Texans continue their rise from rebuilding project to legitimate AFC contender, the 2026 offseason is shaping up to be a defining moment for the franchise. With cornerstone pieces like C.J.
Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. due for major contract extensions, the front office-led by GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans-faces some tough decisions. The roster’s evolution means that several veteran mainstays, who once played key roles in Houston’s resurgence, may be on their way out.
Let’s take a closer look at five vets who could be wearing different colors-or none at all-by the time the 2026 season kicks off.
1. Joe Mixon, RB - A Productive Past, but a Pricey Future
Joe Mixon was a steadying force in the Texans’ 2024 ground game, bringing veteran poise and physicality to a young offense. His ability to grind out tough yards and take pressure off Stroud was critical during Houston’s breakout campaign. But the NFL rarely waits around for aging running backs, and Mixon is heading into that danger zone-he’ll be 30 when the 2026 season begins.
That number alone is enough to raise red flags, but when you factor in the financials-Houston can save around $8 million by moving on-it becomes even more clear why the team may look elsewhere. With promising, cost-effective backs like Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan already in the mix, and the draft always offering fresh legs, Mixon could find himself on the outside looking in.
2. Christian Kirk, WR - A Veteran Presence in a Youth Movement
Christian Kirk was brought in to be a reliable, veteran target for Stroud, and in stretches, he’s delivered. He’s a smooth operator out of the slot and brings professionalism to the receiver room. But with Tank Dell blossoming into a star and young guns like Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel coming on strong, Kirk’s role-and his price tag-are starting to feel out of sync with Houston’s long-term plans.
Nico Collins is locked into a big deal, and the Texans have shown a clear preference for developing homegrown talent at skill positions. Kirk, who turns 30 this year, is set to hit free agency, and it’s unlikely Houston will want to pay top dollar to keep him in a crowded receiver room. Expect him to test the market while the Texans continue to build around their young core.
3. Jimmie Ward, S - The Culture Setter Nearing the Finish Line
When DeMeco Ryans came to Houston, he brought Jimmie Ward with him for a reason. Ward wasn’t just a safety-he was a tone-setter, a leader, and a bridge from where the Texans were to where they wanted to go. But time waits for no one, and Ward will be 34 by the time the 2026 season rolls around.
The Texans have already started preparing for life after Ward, drafting high-upside defenders like Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter-players who can bring versatility and fresh legs to the secondary. Ward’s leadership has been vital, but in a league that demands speed and range from its safeties, his days as a full-time contributor may be numbered. Whether he lands a veteran-minimum deal elsewhere or calls it a career, the writing is on the wall.
4. Denico Autry, DE/DT - The Heart of the Line, But Running on Fumes
Few players embody grit like Denico Autry. Nick Caserio once called him a "junkyard dog," and Autry has backed that up with tough, physical play when healthy.
The problem? That “when healthy” caveat has become more frequent.
Autry will be 36 by the start of the 2026 season, and the wear and tear of life in the trenches is catching up.
Houston’s defensive line is becoming a high-priced unit, with Will Anderson Jr. due for a blockbuster deal and Danielle Hunter already carrying a significant cap hit. As good as Autry has been, there’s simply not enough room-or cap space-for a rotational lineman pushing 40. His leadership and toughness won’t be forgotten, but the Texans are likely to turn the page.
5. Davis Mills, QB - A Backup Ready for More
Davis Mills has quietly carved out a niche as one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks. Once tasked with leading the franchise through its leanest years, Mills has since thrived in a support role behind Stroud, even stepping in to win games when needed. But at 27, and with a fresh one-year, $7 million extension, Mills is at a crossroads.
He’s proven he can play, and with quarterback-needy teams always scouring the market for bridge starters, Mills may see 2026 as his chance to secure a starting job elsewhere. Meanwhile, Houston has already begun grooming a new backup in 2025 draftee Graham Mertz-another signal that the Texans are preparing for a future without Mills in the QB room.
The Bottom Line
The Texans are no longer building-they’re competing. And with that shift comes the hard reality of roster turnover.
Veterans who helped lay the foundation may not be part of the next phase. Whether it’s age, cost, or the emergence of younger talent, Houston is facing some difficult choices this offseason.
But that’s the price of progress. The Texans are aiming higher now, and with a franchise quarterback in place and a defense on the rise, the decisions made in 2026 will shape not just the roster, but the trajectory of a team that’s no longer satisfied with just being a good story-they’re chasing greatness.