What Are Texans Top Free Agency Concerns This Offseason?
Perhaps the No. 1 potential departure the Houston Texans will have this offseason is offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, who seemingly has drawn interest from just about every team that has a coaching vacancy this offseason after his work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
But the Texans have a slew of other key players who could become free agents this offseason that coach DeMeco Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio will have to decide how to proceed with after a magical 2023 season.
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“In this league, nothing stays the same. We had our moment. This team won’t be the same whether it’s players and coaches," Ryans admitted after Saturday's Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. "It’s always evolving and always changing.”
The good news is the Texans are slated to have more than $71 million in cap space to play with this offseason. The reality, though, is that at least a chunk of that may need to be earmarked for retaining key players from the 2023 team. Here's a look at the six most notable Texans set to become free agents this offseason.
No. 6: Kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn
Fairbairn has spent the entirety of his seven-year career with the Texans, with 2023 the final year of a four-year/$17.65 million deal. While he did miss a 47-yard field goal attempt in Saturday's loss to the Ravens, the 29-year-old is coming off perhaps the best season of his career. In the regular season, Fairbairn made 27 of 28 field-goal attempts, including going five-for-six from beyond 50 yards.
No. 5: Running Back Devin Singletary
Singletary flashed his upside during four years with the Buffalo Bills but took on the largest role of his career in 2023 after signing a one-year/$2.75 million free-agent deal with the Texans last offseason. Singletary was the leading rusher for the Texans this past season, rushing for a career-high 898 yards. At 5-foot-7, 203 pounds, Singletary isn't someone you can give the ball to 300 times a year. But he's an excellent complimentary piece offensively and has extensive postseason experience. You wonder if Slowik will try to bring Singletary with him if he gets a coaching job of his own.
No. 4: Tight End Dalton Schultz
Schultz may never top the 2021 season he had with the Dallas Cowboys when he caught 78 passes for 808 yards and eight touchdowns. Nonetheless, he was productive for the Texans after signing a prove-it deal that paid him $6.25 million in 2023. In 15 games, Schultz caught 59 passes for 588 yards and five touchdowns. Still only 27, Schultz should have no problem playing a decade, at least, in the NFL.
No. 3: Cornerback Steven Nelson
Nelson has been something of a journeyman in his career, with stints on the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Philadelphia Eagles before joining the Texans in 2022. Set to turn 31 this week, Nelson is playing at the highest level of his career, as he posted 63 combined tackles and four interceptions for the Texans in 2023. His age will limit the length of contract he gets, but Nelson should make out well this offseason.
No. 2: Linebacker Blake Cashman
It's safe to say that the Texans got a good return on the investment they made in Cashman, sending a sixth-round pick to the New York Jets in March of 2022 to land him. Cashman thrived playing under Ryans in 2023, racking up 106 combined tackles, nine tackles for a loss, and five quarterback hits. Pro Football Focus gave him a strong 83.7 grade in 2023. Cashman had his fair share of injuries during three seasons with the Jets, so it will be interesting to see how Houston feels about investing in the 27-year-old on a long-term basis. But if he's not back, the Texans will certainly miss Cashman's presence.
No. 1: Defensive End Jonathan Greenard
A third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Greenard picked the perfect time to have the best season of his career. Across 15 games for the Texans this season, Greenard posted 52 combined tackles, 22 quarterback hits, 15 tackles for a loss, 12.5 sacks and a forced fumble. The 26-year-old is a franchise tag candidate if a long-term deal can't be reached.
