Texans Methodically Reshape Roster: Comprehensive 2025 Offseason Tracker

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The Houston Texans have taken a measured approach this offseason, balancing splash trades and extensions with calculated depth signings and cap-clearing moves. GM Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans continue building a roster capable of competing deep into January, with a clear focus on flexibility and roster balance.

New Transactions Since Last Update

The Texans continued to reshape their roster and cap sheet with two notable moves this week:

Tytus Howard Restructure (March 19)

The Houston Texans made a significant financial move by restructuring Tytus Howard’s contract, creating $11.464 million in cap space for 2025, per TexansCap on X. This was one of the largest remaining levers Houston could pull to free up funds, and it became even more likely following the trade of Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. The additional cap space helps provide flexibility for Houston’s latest addition at offensive tackle.

Cam Robinson Signs 1-Year Deal (March 19)

The Texans made an unexpected splash by signing veteran left tackle Cam Robinson to a one-year deal worth up to $14.5 million, per Dianna Russini. Robinson, a former second-round pick and Alabama standout, brings eight years of NFL experience as a starting left tackle, most notably with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings. He is expected to take over as the team’s starting left tackle following Tunsil’s departure.

Here’s a full recap of Houston’s offseason moves through March 17:

Cap Space Maneuvers

Christian Kirk Restructure (March 14): Converted base salary to bonus, creating over $12M in cap space.

Denico Autry Renegotiation (March 16): Cleared $6-7M in space with a reworked deal

Azeez Al-Shaair Restructure: Freed more than $6M in cap space.

Major Extension

Derek Stingley Jr. Locks In Long-Term

Houston locked down All-Pro CB Derek Stingley Jr. with a 3-year, $90M extension ($89M guaranteed). The team also exercised his 5th-year option for 2026, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season.

2025 cap hit: $11M
2026 5th-year option: $12M
2027-2029 cap hits: $30M each
5-year total value: $113M (APY: $22.6M)

Trades

Christian Kirk (WR): Acquired from Jaguars for a 2026 7th-round pick.
Ed Ingram (G): Acquired from Vikings for a 2026 6th-round pick.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson (S): Acquired from Eagles for Kenyon Green + 2026 5th-rounder.
Laremy Tunsil Trade: Sent to Washington with a 2025 4th-rounder for a package of 2025 3rd, 7th, and future picks.

Key Free Agent Signings

Braxton Berrios (WR): 1-year, $1.8M - Kick returner & slot WR depth
Ronald Darby (CB): 1-year, $2.5M – Expected CB3 behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter (12 starts last year with Jaguars)

Jakob Johnson (FB): 1-year – Reunion with Nick Caley

Laken Tomlinson (G): 1-year, $4.25M – Potential LG starter
Darrell Taylor (DE): 1-year, $5.25M - Edge depth
Justin Watson (WR): 1-year – Former Chiefs WR (22 catches last season, 2X SB champion)
Tremon Smith (CB/ST): 2-year, up to $7.5M – returns as a key special teams contributor
Sheldon Rankins (DT): 1-year, $7M – returns after a stint with Bengals
Nick Niemann (LB/ST): 2-year deal
Casey Toohill (DE): 1-year deal – depth edge rusher from Buffalo
Derek Barnett (DE): 1-year, $5M – re-signed
Mario Edwards Jr. (DL): 2-year, $9.5M – re-signed

Other Re-Signings & Extensions

M.J. Stewart (S): 1-year
Jake Hansen (LB): 1-year, $1.7M
Kurt Hinish (DT): 1-year, $1.8M + incentives
Dare Ogunbowale (RB/ST): 1-year, $2M
Zack Thomas (OL): 1-year

Waivers & Releases

Shaq Mason: Designated post-June 1 release
Kearis Jackson, Anthony Averett, Brandon Hill: Waived
Kenyon Green: Traded to Eagles
Laremy Tunsil: Traded to Commanders

Notable Potential Targets Off the Board

These were players Texans fans and analysts speculated as potential fits for Houston who have signed elsewhere:

Mekhi Becton (OL): Signed with Chargers
Kevin Zeitler (G): Signed with Titans
Cooper Kupp (WR): Signed with Seahawks
Eric Murray (S): Former Texan signed with Jaguars (3 years, $22M)
Jon Weeks (LS): Signed with 49ers (1 year, $1.42M)

Texans’ Offseason Summary

The Texans have made targeted upgrades to key positions like cornerback, the trenches, and special teams, while staying disciplined with their cap strategy. The Stingley extension anchors the defensive rebuild, while trades for players like Christian Kirk and CJGJ show a clear win-now mindset. Expect more moves as Houston continues to fine-tune its roster.