The Houston Texans are staring down a pivotal offseason decision at running back - and the clock is ticking.
With Nick Chubb set to hit free agency and Joe Mixon’s future shrouded in uncertainty after missing the entire 2025 season due to a mysterious foot injury, Houston’s backfield is in flux. Mixon’s status remains a big question mark, and depending on what the team knows behind closed doors, there’s a very real possibility they could move on altogether.
If that happens, the Texans would be left with Woody Marks and Jawhar Jordan as the only notable backs under contract - and while both bring something to the table, neither projects as a true lead back in a playoff-caliber offense. Marks, in particular, profiles more as a rotational piece than a featured weapon.
That’s where Breece Hall enters the conversation.
According to ESPN’s Aaron Schatz, the Texans could be a surprise suitor for the New York Jets’ pending free agent. While Houston hasn’t been widely mentioned in connection to Hall, the fit makes a lot of sense.
The Texans need a legitimate threat in the backfield - someone who can help control the tempo, extend drives, and keep their rising young quarterback, C.J. Stroud, from having to shoulder the entire offensive load.
Let’s be clear: the Texans’ run game in 2025 wasn’t good enough. They finished 22nd in the league in rushing, and while some of that falls on inconsistent run-blocking up front, the backfield didn’t exactly elevate the unit either. Houston needs more juice - and Hall has plenty of it.
He’s a dynamic playmaker with home-run ability every time he touches the ball, whether it’s on the ground or through the air. Despite playing in a struggling Jets offense, Hall still managed to crack 1,000 rushing yards last season - a testament to his vision, burst, and ability to create when things break down.
Adding Hall would immediately upgrade Houston’s offense. It would also allow Marks to slide into a more natural rotational role, where his energy and versatility could be maximized without the pressure of carrying the load. That kind of one-two punch could be exactly what the Texans need to keep defenses honest and open up the playbook for Stroud, who showed flashes of brilliance but can’t be expected to do it all himself - especially after the way things ended on Sunday.
Of course, there’s a potential snag. The Jets may not be ready to let Hall walk away. Even if he’s not looking to re-sign, New York has the option to use the franchise tag and pursue a trade - a move that could complicate things for Houston and any other team with eyes on Hall.
Still, the Texans would be wise to pick up the phone. Whether it’s through free agency or a tag-and-trade scenario, Hall represents the kind of offensive weapon who could tilt the balance in Houston’s favor - a back capable of changing games, sustaining drives, and helping this team take the next step.
Bottom line: the Texans need answers in the backfield. Breece Hall might just be the one to provide them.