Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans

With the 2028 regular season winding down and a potential playoff run ahead, the Houston Texans’ front office has already shifted focus to early free agency planning—identifying key targets to address roster gaps and build on their breakthrough season. Armed with approximately $42 million in projected 2029 salary cap space (per NFLPA reports), the Texans have zeroed in on positional priorities that align with their long-term vision: strengthening offensive line depth, adding a versatile defensive back, and securing a reliable backup quarterback for C.J. Stroud. These early targets aren’t just random signings; they’re players who fit the Texans’ scheme, culture of toughness, and need for sustainable success—avoiding the short-term fixes that plagued past rebuilds. By identifying targets early, the Texans aim to gain a competitive edge in free agency, where top talent often signs quickly. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans breaks down each positional priority, the specific players on the Texans’ radar, and why these additions will keep the team competitive in the AFC South for years to come.

The Texans’ top early free agency priority is offensive line depth, a need highlighted by injuries to Tytus Howard and Kenyon Green this season. While Howard is expected to return in 2029, the Texans want to avoid relying on unproven backups if injuries strike again—and their top target here is guard/tackle Dalton Risner, a 6-year veteran currently with the Minnesota Vikings. Risner, who has started 89 career games at both left guard and right tackle, fits the Texans’ zone-running scheme perfectly: he’s a powerful run-blocker who can create lanes for Dameon Pierce and a consistent pass-protector (allowing just 2 sacks in 2028). What makes Risner particularly appealing is his versatility—he can fill in at any offensive line position, a trait the Texans value after shuffling their line multiple times this season. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans have already had preliminary discussions with Risner’s representatives, emphasizing their desire to build a “stable, deep front” around Stroud. “Dalton is exactly the kind of player we look for—tough, adaptable, and experienced,” said Texans general manager Nick Caserio, in a recent interview with the Houston Chronicle. “He’s played in playoff games, he understands what it takes to win, and he’ll fit right into our culture.” Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans frames Risner as a foundational addition, one that will protect Stroud and keep the Texans’ run game—their offensive backbone—consistent.

Another critical early target for the Texans is a versatile defensive back, aimed at shoring up a secondary that struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks and slot receivers in 2028. Their top choice here is safety/nickel corner Adrian Amos, a 10-year veteran who spent 2028 with the Green Bay Packers. Amos, who has 11 career interceptions and 4 Pro Bowl nods, can play both free safety and nickel corner—addressing two needs for the Texans. This versatility is key: the Texans often struggle when opposing teams shift to three-receiver sets (allowing 6.8 yards per pass in those situations), and Amos’ ability to cover slot receivers while also supporting the run would fix that gap. Additionally, Amos has experience playing in defensive coordinator Matt Burke’s system (they worked together in Philadelphia in 2019), meaning he’d require minimal time to adjust to the Texans’ schemes. “Adrian is a Swiss Army knife in the secondary,” Burke said. “He can cover, he can tackle, he can read quarterbacks—he does everything we need from a defensive back. Having him would let us be more flexible with our coverages, especially against teams like the Colts and Jaguars.” Amos is also known for his leadership: he’s been a team captain for three different franchises, a trait the Texans value as they look to build a playoff-caliber locker room. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans explores how Amos’ versatility and experience would turn the Texans’ secondary from a liability into a strength.

For the Houston Texans, a lesser-discussed but vital early free agency target is a reliable backup quarterback, a need exposed in 2028 when Stroud missed one game with a minor shoulder injury (the Texans lost to the Bengals with backup Tim Boyle under center). Their top candidate here is Taylor Heinicke, a 7-year veteran who served as the Atlanta Falcons’ backup in 2028. Heinicke, known for his mobility and clutch play (he led the Washington Commanders to a playoff win in 2022), fits the Texans’ offensive system: he can execute Bobby Slowik’s zone-read plays and make quick decisions in the passing game, mirroring Stroud’s strengths. Unlike Boyle—who struggled with turnovers (4 interceptions in 2028)—Heinicke has a career 2.3 interception rate and has proven he can win games when called upon. The Texans are drawn to Heinicke’s mindset, too: he’s never complained about being a backup, instead focusing on preparing like a starter—a culture fit for a team that values selflessness. “Having a backup quarterback you can trust is non-negotiable in the NFL,” Slowik said. “Taylor doesn’t just hold a clipboard—he studies film with C.J., he gives input on plays, and he’s ready to step in and win if needed. That’s the kind of teammate we want.” For the Houston Texans, signing Heinicke wouldn’t just be about injury insurance; it would be about adding a player who makes Stroud better through competition and mentorship. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans emphasizes how this move would protect the Texans’ most valuable asset—Stroud—and ensure they stay competitive even if he misses time.

Another early free agency target for the Houston Texans is a pass-rushing defensive end to pair with Will Anderson Jr. and Mario Addison, ensuring long-term depth at a position critical to Burke’s defense. Their top choice here is Yannick Ngakoue, a 9-year veteran who recorded 8 sacks for the Chicago Bears in 2028. Ngakoue, who has 81 career sacks (an average of 8.9 per season), is a proven edge rusher who would complement Anderson’s skill set: Anderson is a physical, run-stopping end, while Ngakoue is a speed-focused pass rusher who excels at beating tackles off the edge. This combination would create a “one-two punch” that opposing offensive lines would struggle to handle—something the Texans lacked in 2028 (they ranked 22nd in sacks before Addison’s arrival). Ngakoue is also cost-effective: he’s expected to command a one-year deal worth $8-10 million, a price the Texans can afford without sacrificing cap space for other targets. “Yannick is a proven producer,” Burke said. “He gets to the quarterback, he forces turnovers (26 career forced fumbles), and he’s still playing at a high level. Pairing him with Will and Mario would make our pass rush one of the best in the AFC.” For the Houston Texans, signing Ngakoue would be a win-win: he’d boost their defense in 2029 while also allowing Anderson to focus on his strengths, rather than being forced to carry the pass-rush load alone. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans examines how this addition would solidify the Texans’ defense as a long-term strength.

Finally, the Texans’ early free agency targets reflect a strategic, patient approach—one that prioritizes fit over flash and builds toward sustained success. Unlike past offseasons, where the Texans overpaid for big-name players who didn’t align with their schemes, this year’s targets are all players who complement the team’s existing talent and culture. Risner fits the offensive line’s zone scheme, Amos knows Burke’s defense, Heinicke works with Slowik’s offense, and Ngakoue pairs with Anderson—every target is a piece of a larger puzzle, not a standalone signing. By identifying these players early, the Texans can also avoid the “free agency frenzy” that leads to overpaying or settling for second-tier talent. “We’re not looking for quick fixes,” Caserio said. “We’re looking for players who will be here for the long haul, who will help us win now and win later. Identifying targets early lets us build relationships, understand what players want, and make smart decisions when free agency opens.” For the Houston Texans, this early planning is a sign of how far the organization has come—from a team that reacted to losses to one that plans for wins. Free Agency Targets Identified Early for the Houston Texans concludes by noting that if the Texans can land their top targets, they’ll not only defend their 2028 playoff spot but also establish themselves as a perennial AFC South contender—turning a single breakthrough season into a decade of success.