7 Things We Learned From the Texans at NFL Owners Meeting

The annual NFL owners’ meeting has officially wrapped up this year's session in Arizona, where each of the 32 teams and their top decision-makers gathered to discuss a variety of topics encircling the league, also giving reporters a chance to speak to coaches and front office members about some of their recent offseason work.

For the Houston Texans, it was a chance for head coach DeMeco Ryans and a few other top decision-makers to talk about varying roster changes, and also a peek at what's to come for the team moving forward now that the bulk of free agency wrapped up earlier last month.

Let's dive into seven tidbits we learned from the Texans' time at the Arizona Biltmore:

Confidence in C.J. Stroud Remains High

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) looks to pass Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. | Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Make no mistake, even after a brutal end in the 2026 postseason and the ups and downs that came before it through the regular season, C.J. Stroud is the Texans' franchise quarterback, and the confidence has yet to shift one bit within Houston's staff and front office.

"The support hasn't wavered from me to C.J.," DeMeco Ryans said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, "I see a guy who's dialed in to the offseason, really working... He's in full grind mode right now. I'm excited to see what comes from the work that he's putting in. He's only going to be better."

While Ryans' belief remains strong, the stakes are certainly higher than ever for Stroud this season. With an abundance of offensive changes and upgrades to put him in a position to succeed in 2026, a similar regression seen from his past two years put his future in H-Town in some serious jeopardy.

Why Texans Made Change at QBs Coach

Dec 27, 2025; Inglewood, California, USA; Houston Texans head coach Demeco Ryans stands on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Chargers during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images | Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

After the Texans' turbulent season on the offensive end, there were bound to be coaching changes on that side of the ball heading into this offseason; the biggest of which was the move from Jerrod Johnson as quarterbacks coach, to now promoting former senior offensive assistant Jerry Schuplinski to that role.

But Ryan’s underlined that the decision wasn't rooted in a primary focus of removing Johnson's voice from the room. He actually commended his former quarterbacks coach (who's now with the Philadelphia Eagles' staff) pretty well. Instead, it's all in an effort to try and get the most out of C.J. Stroud in a pivotal fourth season.

“For me, it’s ‘How can we help C.J. the best?" Ryans said, viaJonathan M. Alexander of The Houston Chronicle. “Maybe it’s a change of voice. Who is leading that room? Who is really giving him that information? Who is coaching him up? Can that move the needle a little bit more?"

Reforming the O-Line is Top Priority

Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith (72) warms up Monday, July 28, 2025, ahead of training camp held at Grand Park in Westfield. | Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ryans highlighted that his main focus entering this offseason was to "enhance and improve" the offensive line; a goal that was successfully accomplished by an aggressive pursuit of two starting-caliber veteran linemen, Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, from the free agent market.

But that comment from Ryans could also be a hint of what to expect for the Texans with the draft continuing to creep around the corner later this month.

Considering Houston has four selections in the first 70 picks on the board, the Texans' brain trust can continue that aggression in reforming their offensive line by taking one, or even a couple of highly-graded prospects on the line within that range to shore up their depth and future outlook upfront.

David Montgomery the Workhorse Back?

Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) looks on before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

DeMeco Ryans might've showed his hand a bit when it came to expressing expectations for new running back addition David Montgomery, crediting him as a guy who can come in and really shoulder the load as the main ballcarrier in the backfield.

"David is a consistent runner," Ryans said. "He knows how to get more than what is blocked for. Very consistent, efficient. So, I'm excited to work with him... He's serious. He's locked in. He's all football, and he's eager for that opportunity to really be that guy, to really carry the load for us."

2025 standout Woody Marks won't totally disappear from the offense altogether, and will certainly claim a good share of work in the passing game. Although, there's a world where Montgomery could be set to take on a bigger share of snaps between them from what was initially expected.

Tank Dell, Jaylin Smith Progressing From Injury

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (3) attempts to catch a pass during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Two of the Texans' exciting, yet recently injured, pieces on both sides of the ball appear to be trending in the right direction for their recovery from their respective knee injuries: wide receiver Tank Dell and cornerback Jaylin Smith.

While it's unclear whether either will be cleared at 100% for OTAs kicking off in May, DeMeco Ryans emphasized the excitement there was behind the brewing return to the field for both–– especially for Dell after missing the entire 2025 season with his devastating leg injury.

At the latest, expect both to be back in the mix in time for training camp, and hopefully puts them on pace to be ready to go for Week One of the new year.

Logan Hall Will Play IDL

Sep 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Logan Hall (90) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

One of the Texans' underrated signings of this free agency cycle, defensive lineman Logan Hall, is a new chess piece for DeMeco Ryans' already-stout defense who could play a notable depth role in 2026.

Houston's plan for now, at least, will be to play Hall one spot on the inside, rather than coming off the edge.

Transitioning outside still remains in the cards––particularly thanks to the combination of length and athleticism the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender offers––though Ryans emphasized the Texans want him to key in on one specific position before moving around the line.

Texans Going Abroad in 2026?

Feb 9, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell speaks at the Super Bowl LX host committee handoff press conference at Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Texans president Mike Tomon opened up about the team's willingness to play an international game this season to ultimately voice the franchise’s openness to the opportunity. And while it does rely on the NFL to actually cement that game on the schedule, there could be a door open for Houston to travel outside of the states for the first time since 2019.

The Texans have two road matchups on next year's schedule against teams also set to play overseas as the designated home team: both in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Washington Commanders.

If there's any chance the Texans do find themselves as one of the many teams taking their talents abroad next season, one of those two matchups would be the games to circle.

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