In the DeMeco Ryans era, one thing has become clear: the Houston Texans aren’t afraid to make moves in the offseason. Whether it’s trading for proven veterans or adding depth to key positions, general manager Nick Caserio has made a habit of using the trade market to bolster the roster.
In 2023, it was offensive lineman Shaq Mason. A year later, it was a headline-grabbing haul with Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs joining the fold.
Now, as the 2026 offseason kicks into gear, the question becomes: who’s next?
Houston has a few key areas to address-offensive line depth, interior defensive line help, and maybe another veteran presence to shore up the trenches. If history is any guide, Caserio and company are likely already scanning the league for potential trade targets on expiring contracts who could fit the Texans’ system and timeline.
Three names have surfaced as potential fits: Saints guard Cesar Ruiz, Bills left tackle Dion Dawkins, and Vikings defensive tackle Javon Hargrave. Each brings a different skill set, and each would fill a need for a Texans team that’s looking to take the next step in a competitive AFC.
Let’s break down what each could bring to the table-and how realistic each move might be.
Dion Dawkins: Elite Talent, Complicated Fit
Dion Dawkins is still playing at a high level, anchoring Buffalo’s line as one of the better left tackles in the league. That’s exactly why a trade feels like a long shot. Franchise tackles don’t grow on trees, and when you’ve got one under contract, you usually don’t let him go unless there’s a major cap crunch or a change in direction.
That said, the Bills could save significant cap space by moving Dawkins, and any team acquiring him would take on a $16.8 million cap hit. For Houston, that price tag might be steep-but the potential payoff is huge.
Protecting C.J. Stroud is priority number one, and adding a veteran like Dawkins would immediately upgrade the offensive line and help open up the run game.
There’s also a question of fit. With rookie Aireontae Ersery developing on the left side, Dawkins might have to slide to right tackle-a move that’s easier said than done for a veteran who’s been a mainstay on the blind side. Still, if the Texans believe Dawkins can make the transition, this could be a swing-for-the-fences type of move.
Cesar Ruiz: High Upside, Lower Risk
Ruiz might not have the same name recognition as Dawkins, but he could be a smart, cost-effective addition. A former first-round pick out of Michigan, Ruiz has had an up-and-down career in New Orleans, with injuries and coaching turnover impacting his development. But when healthy, he’s shown flashes of being a solid interior lineman-especially in the run game.
He’s got two years left on his current deal, and while a $9 million salary isn’t exactly cheap, it’s manageable-especially if the Texans are looking for a reliable option at guard. With Ed Ingram potentially heading to free agency, Ruiz could slide in as a plug-and-play starter who brings experience and physicality to the interior.
For a team that needs to be better up front in 2026, Ruiz makes a lot of sense. He may not be a long-term solution, but he’s a stabilizing presence who could help keep Stroud clean and give the run game a boost.
Javon Hargrave: Veteran Disruptor for the Defensive Front
On the defensive side, Houston faces some decisions. Sheldon Rankins and Tim Settle Jr. are both set to hit free agency.
Rankins was a steady presence throughout the season, while Settle missed the final two months with a season-ending foot injury. The Texans could look to retain one of them-but they might also go hunting for a new difference-maker up front.
That’s where Javon Hargrave comes in.
Hargrave isn’t in his prime anymore, but he’s still a force in the middle. He brings a low center of gravity, powerful hands, and the kind of bull-rushing ability that fits perfectly in DeMeco Ryans’ aggressive front-four scheme. In a system that thrives on getting pressure without blitzing, a player like Hargrave can be a game-changer.
He’s also played in similar defensive systems, so the learning curve would be minimal. If Houston wants to add a veteran presence who can still collapse the pocket and create chaos inside, Hargrave could be the answer.
What’s Next for Houston?
With nine picks in the upcoming NFL Draft and some expected cap space flexibility, the Texans are in a solid position to be aggressive this offseason. Whether that means trading for a big-name lineman, adding depth pieces, or making a splash on the defensive front, the options are there.
Caserio and Ryans have shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves if the fit is right. The Texans are no longer in rebuild mode-they’re in the business of winning now.
And if the right trade presents itself, don’t be surprised if Houston pulls the trigger. Again.