The Houston Texans’ offensive line was one of the most criticized units in the NFL last season, particularly in pass protection. While it’s true that C.J. Stroud faced an alarming amount of pressure, the offensive line struggles weren’t solely due to poor individual performance. Several factors, including coaching, scheme fit, and personnel usage, contributed to the protection issues.
At one point, it seemed like the Texans needed a massive overhaul up front. However, after analyzing the full season and evaluating the late-year adjustments, it’s clear the situation isn’t as dire as some might think. This is a critical realization because the Texans don’t have as much salary cap space this offseason as they did a year ago, and a significant portion of their available funds is already committed to the offensive line.
This makes Houston’s approach in free agency and the draft even more important. The Texans must be strategic, making targeted improvements rather than sweeping changes.
Why the Offensive Line Looked Better Late in the Season
Throughout 2024, the Texans' pass protection issues weren’t just an offensive line problem. The tight ends and running backs struggled in their assignments, and the scheme itself created additional stress on the line.
The Texans’ zone-based rushing attack naturally paired with a slide pass protection scheme, but the personnel up front was not built for it. This resulted in frequent communication breakdowns, allowing free rushers to pressure Stroud far too often. However, as the season progressed, adjustments were made, and the line showed real improvement.
Key Midseason Changes That Helped Stabilize the OL
The most important in-season adjustment was the decision to:
Insert rookie Blake Fisher at right tackle
This move reshaped the offensive line and brought it closer to the Texans' most successful unit from 2023, which looked like this:
LT: Laremy Tunsil
LG: Tytus Howard
C: Jarrett Patterson (for most of the year)
RG: Shaq Mason
RT: George Fant
Once Howard was moved to left guard, the 2024 version looked almost identical, with Fisher replacing Fant at right tackle. While this meant some growing pains at right tackle, the major improvement at left guard helped solidify the line as a whole.
The Right Guard Problem: Shaq Mason’s Decline
One of the biggest concerns along the offensive line in 2024 was Shaq Mason’s regression at right guard. After a solid 2023 season, Mason struggled heavily last year, showing noticeable decline in both pass protection and run blocking.
When Mason was injured late in the season, Juice Scruggs stepped in at right guard—and suddenly, the Texans' offensive line looked significantly better:
LT: Laremy Tunsil
LG: Tytus Howard
C: Jarrett Patterson
RG: Juice Scruggs
RT: Blake Fisher
This was the best lineup the Texans used all season, which made it even more puzzling when DeMeco Ryans reverted back to Mason in the playoffs against the Chiefs. Many fans suspected it was due to veteran loyalty, but Mason’s continued struggles only reaffirmed that a change at right guard is necessary.
Offseason Plan: Free Agency & the Draft
The biggest priority for the Texans this offseason isn’t a complete rebuild of the offensive line—it’s finding a legitimate right guard and adding depth and versatility to prevent future issues.
The smartest approach is a two-step plan:
Sign a veteran guard in free agency
Draft a versatile lineman in Rounds 1-3 who can play multiple positions
This would provide an immediate upgrade at right guard, while also giving the Texans insurance in case Blake Fisher struggles at right tackle or injuries arise.
Financial Structure of the Texans' 2025 Offensive Line
As the Texans evaluate their offensive line for the upcoming season, it's important to consider the financial resources allocated to the unit. The team has made significant investments in protecting C.J. Stroud and establishing a strong foundation up front. Below is a breakdown of the current cap hits for each offensive lineman on the 2025 roster:
Texans' 2025 Offensive Line Cap Hits
Player | 2025 Cap Hit ($M) |
Laremy Tunsil | $28.85M |
Tytus Howard | $23.05M |
Shaq Mason | $14.60M |
Kenyon Green | $5.08M |
Juice Scruggs | $1.66M |
Blake Fisher | $1.50M |
Jarrett Patterson | $1.07M |
Austin Deculus | $1.04M |
Nick Broeker | $1.03M |
LaDarius Henderson | $0.86M |
Jaylon Thomas | $0.84M |
Tremayne Anchrum | $1.10M |
Total | ~ $81.5M |
Note: Salary cap figures were obtained from Spotrac. These numbers reflect the 2025 league year and could change as teams release or add new players.
Texans' Offensive Line Spending Relative to the NFL
The table below shows where the Texans rank in terms of offensive line cap spending compared to the rest of the league in 2025:
Rank | Team | Players | Cap Total ($M) | Cap Average ($M) | Cap % of Total |
1 | CAR | 11 | $90.50M | $8.23M | 36.42% |
2 | HOU | 13 | $81.51M | $6.27M | 29.73% |
3 | KC | 9 | $68.34M | $7.59M | 24.24% |
4 | ATL | 9 | $67.48M | $7.50M | 23.09% |
5 | CLE | 12 | $61.90M | $5.16M | 17.56% |
6 | DET | 11 | $61.37M | $5.58M | 24.16% |
7 | DEN | 11 | $59.56M | $5.41M | 24.46% |
8 | NYG | 10 | $57.58M | $5.76M | 24.81% |
9 | MIN | 11 | $54.88M | $4.99M | 24.61% |
10 | IND | 11 | $54.73M | $4.98M | 21.00% |
11 | CHI | 12 | $52.93M | $4.41M | 22.15% |
12 | NO | 9 | $52.53M | $5.84M | 15.60% |
13 | MIA | 10 | $51.62M | $5.16M | 18.02% |
14 | PHI | 9 | $50.89M | $5.65M | 18.49% |
Note: These numbers reflect the 2025 league year and could change as teams release or sign new players.
With over $81.5 million committed to their offensive line, the Texans have the second-highest total OL spending in the NFL, trailing only the Carolina Panthers ($90.5M, 36.42% of cap). Houston is dedicating nearly 30% of its salary cap to the offensive line, significantly above the league average.
The key question is whether the Texans are getting the right value from their financial commitment to the offensive line. With this level of spending, expectations should be high, particularly for players like Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard, and Shaq Mason, who account for nearly $66.5M of the total.
If the Texans can get consistent protection for C.J. Stroud and establish a dominant run game, this investment could prove to be a strength. However, if pass protection issues persist, it may be necessary to reevaluate how the money is distributed across the unit.
Evaluating the Texans’ Current Roster: Trade & Cut Scenarios
Before looking at external additions, it’s important to assess which current players should stay and which could be moved. The Texans have some tough financial decisions to make.
Here’s a full breakdown of potential cuts and trades before and after June 1, using data from OverTheCap:
Player | Action | Dead Money (Pre-June 1) | Cap Savings (Pre-June 1) | Dead Money (Post-June 1) | Cap Savings (Post-June 1) |
Laremy Tunsil | Cut | $25,000,000 | $3,850,000 | $17,500,000 | $11,350,000 |
Trade | $15,000,000 | $13,850,000 | $7,500,000 | $21,350,000 | |
Tytus Howard | Cut | $21,100,000 | $1,945,588 | $8,875,000 | $14,170,588 |
Trade | $19,300,000 | $3,745,588 | $7,075,000 | $15,970,588 | |
Kenyon Green | Cut | $4,350,929 | $725,155 | N/A | N/A |
Trade | $2,195,619 | $2,880,465 | N/A | N/A | |
Shaq Mason | Cut | $12,482,000 | $2,117,176 | $5,158,000 | $9,441,176 |
Trade | $11,432,000 | $3,167,176 | $4,108,000 | $10,491,176 |
Key Takeaways from This Breakdown:
Laremy Tunsil is too valuable to move—finding a replacement would be far more expensive and remove your best asset in a struggling group.
Tytus Howard is better suited at left guard, and his contract makes cutting/trading him not worth it.
Kenyon Green's best scenario is being traded for any value Houston can get. If not make him a resrve with small hope of rekindling under new coaching/scheme.
Shaq Mason is the most likely cut/trade candidate, as a post-June 1 move would free up $9.4M+ in cap space.
Now that we know who should stay and who should go, let’s break down how Houston can address the right guard position.
Step 1: Sign a Proven Right Guard in Free Agency
The biggest need for the Texans' offensive line isn’t a full rebuild—it’s stabilizing right guard. With Shaq Mason’s decline and potential departure, Houston should add a veteran free agent who fits their scheme and doesn’t break the bank.
The Texans have several options, ranging from experienced veterans to younger players with upside. Below is a detailed breakdown of the top available guards, their projected contracts, and their PFF grades from 2024 (via Spotrac and PFF).
Top Free Agent Guard Options
Player | Positions | Age | Years Exp. | Previous Team | Previous AAV | Projected AAV | GP | Overall PFF | Pass Block | Run Block |
Brandon Scherff | RG | 33.2 | 10 | JAX | $16.5M | $6.7M | 17 | 64.7 | 74.5 | 57.3 |
James Daniels | LG, C, RG | 27.4 | 7 | PIT | $8.83M | $7.8M | 4 | 92.9 | 66.5 | 92.5 |
Kevin Zeitler | RG | 34.9 | 13 | DET | $6M | $9.2M | 16 | 86.8 | 71.8 | 87.2 |
Patrick Mekari | LT, LG, C, RG, RT | 27.5 | 6 | BAL | $5.15M | $10.3M | 19 | 60.0 | 70.3 | 58.1 |
Will Hernandez | LG, RG | 29.5 | 6 | ARI | $4.5M | $4.3M | 5 | 69.3 | 74.2 | 66.0 |
Mekhi Becton | LT, RG, RT | 25.8 | 5 | PHI | $2.75M | $10.2M | 19 | 75.2 | 63.6 | 74.7 |
Dalton Risner | LG, RG | 29.6 | 6 | MIN | $2.41M | $3.4M | 12 | 67.0 | 76.2 | 57.4 |
Evan Brown | LG, C, RG | 28.4 | 6 | ARI | $2.35M | $4.7M | 16 | 65.9 | 73.5 | 58.7 |
Teven Jenkins | LT, LG, RG | 26.9 | 4 | CHI | $2.09M | $10.3M | 14 | 75.4 | 75.8 | 74.3 |
Coleman Shelton | LG, C, RG | 29.6 | 7 | CHI | $3M | $5.8M | 5 | 66.4 | 66.8 | 59.3 |
Austin Corbett | LG, C, RG | 29.4 | 7 | CAR | $8.75M | $2.7M | 5 | 62.9 | 66.8 | 59.3 |
Ryan Kelly | C | 31.8 | 9 | IND | $12.5M | $10.1M | 10 | 67 | 71.9 | 64 |
Aaron Banks | LG | 27.5 | 4 | SF | $1.7M | $9.7M | 13 | 60.5 | 60.5 | 59.8 |
Will Fries | RG | 26.9 | 4 | IND | $891K | $14.1M | 5 | 86.9 | 74.9 | 84.9 |
Drew Dalman | C | 26.3 | 4 | ATL | $1M | $6.8M | 9 | 78.8 | 66.6 | 79.8 |
Best Fits for the Texans
Based on skill set, cost, and short-term need, here’s how I see the best free agent guard options for the Texans shaping up:
Top Targets:
Kevin Zeitler (DET, RG) – The best fit overall. Yes, he’s older (34), but he has continued to play some of his best football over the last two seasons. Given that the Texans only need short-term stability while they develop younger linemen, Zeitler makes the most sense. He’s an excellent pass protector (PFF pass block: 71.8) and strong in gap/man blocking, which should better fit Houston’s new system under Nick Caley. His $9.2M projected AAV is reasonable for a team in need of immediate interior help.
Will Fries (IND, RG) – Had a breakout year, but he’s coming off a fractured tibia, and his strong performance could be due to a small sample size. If Houston believes in his ability, he could be a solid pickup, but he carries more risk than Zeitler.
James Daniels (PIT, LG/C/RG) – Intriguing because of his age (27) and versatility, but he’s coming off an Achilles injury, which makes his long-term effectiveness uncertain. His elite run-blocking ability (92.5 PFF run block grade) makes him tempting (although its only 4 games), but the Texans may hesitate to invest in a recovering player.
Mekhi Becton (PHI, LT/RG/RT) – Had a career revival in Philadelphia last year after switching to guard, but his Super Bowl run with the Eagles likely inflated his price. While his athleticism is appealing, he has had injury concerns in the past and may command more money than Houston should spend.
Other Notable Options:
Dalton Risner (MIN, LG/RG) – If the Texans want a budget-friendly but capable starting guard, Risner is an option. At $3.4M AAV, he’s a reliable pass protector (76.2 pass block grade), though his run blocking (57.4) is weaker. For the price, he’s a decent stopgap.
Ryan Kelly (IND, C) – A strong veteran center, but signing him would require moving Jarrett Patterson to guard. The Texans may prefer continuity at center, making Kelly less of a priority.
Step 2: Draft a Versatile Offensive Lineman
After addressing right guard in free agency, the next priority for the Texans should be drafting a young, versatile offensive lineman who can play both tackle and guard. This would provide:
Immediate competition at guard
Insurance in case Blake Fisher struggles at RT & injuries
A long-term solution along the offensive line
The Texans have the No. 25 overall pick, and while they could stay put, a trade-back scenario is also a possibility to gain more draft capital while still landing a top-tier lineman.
Top Offensive Line Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
Player | Position | Sub Pos. | School | Weight | Height | Overall PFF | Pass Block | Run Block | Projected Round |
Kelvin Banks Jr. | OT | LT, G | Texas | 315lbs | 6-5 | 86.2 | 89.9 | 81.0 | 1 |
Will Campbell | OT | LT | LSU | 319lbs | 6-6 | 72.2 | 80.6 | 69.7 | 1 |
Josh Simmons | OT | G, RT | Ohio State | 317lbs | 6-5 | 74.4 | 82.0 | 68.7 | 1 |
Armand Membou | OT | G, RT | Missouri | 332lbs | 6-4 | 90.6 | 86.6 | 87.6 | 1 |
Grey Zabel | OT | LT, LG, C, RG, RT | NDSU | 312lbs | 6-6 | 90.4 | 93.1 | 86.4 | 1-2 |
Wyatt Milum | OT | LT | West Virginia | 313lbs | 6-6 | 91.0 | 92.5 | 89.2 | 2 |
Josh Conerly Jr. | OT | LT, RT | Oregon | 311lbs | 6-5 | 78.3 | 83.6 | 72.5 | 2 |
Cameron Williams | OT | RT | Texas | 317lbs | 6-6 | 67.4 | 72.6 | 70.8 | 2 |
Tyler Booker | OG | LG | Alabama | 321lbs | 6-5 | 66.5 | 86.5 | 63.9 | 1 |
Jonah Savaiinaea | OT | LT, RG, RT | Arizona | 324lbs | 6-4 | 75.9 | 82.7 | 64.2 | 2 |
Aireontae Ersery | OT | LT | Minnesota | 331lbs | 6-6 | 77.5 | 77.3 | 73.6 | 2 |
Marcus Mbow | OT | LT, LG, RT, RG | Purdue | 303lbs | 6-4 | 73.0 | 68.0 | 77.2 | 2 |
Tate Ratledge | OG | RG | Georgia | 308lbs | 6-6 | 74.4 | 77.3 | 74.7 | 2 |
Donovan Jackson | OT | G | Ohio State | 315lbs | 6-4 | 71.8 | 69.9 | 70.2 | 3 |
Ozzy Trapilo | OT | LT, RT, G | Boston College | 315lbs | 6-8 | 76.8 | 80.5 | 69.9 | 3 |
Draft Assessment: Who Fits the Texans Best?
Grey Zabel (NDSU) – The Best Fit
Zabel is my favorite option at No. 25 because of his versatility, size, and toughness.
He dominated at the Senior Bowl, proving he can handle P5 competition despite coming from NDSU.
He played several positions, which is exactly what DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caley want in their linemen.
He fits the "nastiness" standard that Ryans has talked about, making him an ideal pick for Houston.
The Texans could even trade back and still land Zabel in the early 2nd round while acquiring more picks.
Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) – Worth Trading Up For
If Banks somehow falls within reach, the Texans should consider trading up a few spots, but not too far & not giving up too much, to get him.
He has ideal size, length, and movement skills, and his ability to play both tackle and guard gives Houston immediate options.
His strong pass-blocking ability (89.9 PFF pass block grade) makes him a long-term asset for protecting C.J. Stroud.
Other First-Round or Early Second-Round Targets
Tyler Booker (Alabama) – One of the best true guards in the draft, he could be an immediate Day 1 starter at right guard.
Amand Membou (Missouri) – Played both right guard and right tackle, meaning he could compete at RG immediately and be a backup plan at RT.
Jonah Savaiinaea (Arizona) – Another RG/RT option who brings physicality and strong run blocking to the Texans’ scheme.
Josh Simmons (Ohio State) – Athletic lineman with experience at multiple spots, making him a flexible piece to develop.
Marcus Mbow (Purdue) – Big, strong lineman who projects well in a gap-heavy blocking scheme.
Day 2 Targets:
Ozzy Trapilo (Boston College) – He’s been training with legendary Patriots OL coach Dante Scarnecchia, who has ties to Nick Caley & Cole Popovich.
Wyatt Milum (West Virginia) and Tate Ratledge (Georgia) – Both are strong, physical true guards who could start immediately at RG.
Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) - Proven tackle at a high level with ability to kick inside. Was C.J. Stroud's LG his last year.
Draft Strategy: How the Texans Should Approach This
Stay at No. 25 and draft Grey Zabel
Trade back and try to still land Zabel, gaining extra picks
If Kelvin Banks falls within reach, consider trading up slightly to secure him
If Zabel is gone, take Tyler Booker, Amand Membou, Jonah Savaiinaea, or Josh Simmons
Later options: draft Donovan Jackson or Ozzy Trapilo in 3rd.
This plan would give Houston an instant upgrade on the offensive line while also ensuring long-term flexibility.
Conclusion: The Best Path Forward for the Texans' Offensive Line
The Houston Texans' offensive line struggles in 2024 weren’t just about individual performance—they were a combination of personnel issues, poor schematic fit, and inconsistent coaching. However, the final stretch of the season revealed that the situation isn’t as dire as some may think. With the right adjustments, this unit can take a significant step forward in 2025 without requiring a complete overhaul.
The biggest priority this offseason is fixing right guard while adding depth and flexibility across the line. The Texans don’t have the cap space to make splashy signings, so they need a calculated approach that maximizes their resources.
Free Agency: Finding a Proven Right Guard
Houston's best move in free agency is to sign a veteran right guard who can provide immediate stability. The top target should be Kevin Zeitler, who remains one of the most consistent pass-protecting guards in the NFL and fits the Texans’ projected gap-heavy scheme.
If Zeitler signs elsewhere, James Daniels or Will Fries would be the best fallback options—both offer solid pass protection at a reasonable price.
The Draft: Adding a Long-Term Solution
The Texans could use their first-round pick on a lineman, either at No. 25 or after a small trade-back to accumulate additional draft capital.
Grey Zabel (NDSU) is the best overall fit, bringing elite versatility, toughness, and intelligence.
If Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) slips within reach, the Texans should consider a minor trade-up to land him.
Other strong options at No. 25 or in Round 2 include Tyler Booker, Amand Membou, Jonah Savaiinaea, Josh Simmons, and Marcus Mbow.
By securing a veteran in free agency and drafting a top-tier lineman, the Texans would solidify the offensive line for both 2025 and beyond while giving C.J. Stroud the protection he needs to elevate the offense.
Coaching and Scheme: The X-Factor
One of the most overlooked reasons for the Texans’ struggles in 2024 was the coaching staff’s approach to pass protection. With Nick Caley taking over as offensive coordinator and Cole Popovich stepping into the lead OL coach role, expect improved communication, smarter adjustments, and a better schematic fit for the personnel.
A gap-heavy blocking scheme, combined with giving Stroud more control over pass protections, should reduce the mental errors that plagued the line last season.
The Ideal Offseason Plan for the Texans OL
Sign Kevin Zeitler (or James Daniels as a backup option) to fill the RG spot.
Draft Grey Zabel at No. 25 (or trade back slightly to grab him while gaining picks).
If Banks Jr. slips, consider a minor trade-up for a premier talent.
Develop a long-term tackle/guard option like Membou, Simmons, or Savaiinaea.
Let Nick Caley and Cole Popovich implement a smarter protection scheme.
This measured approach addresses Houston’s biggest weakness, improves both the short- and long-term outlook of the OL, and ensures C.J. Stroud has a more stable pocket in Year 3 of the Texans’ playoff push.
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