THE Houston Texans I have over two dozen free agents set to hit the market this offseason, but Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon hopes at least one will be back in the mix for the season opener when the offense takes the field.
If two-time All-Pro wide receiver Stefon Diggs wants to return to NRG Stadium, Mixon said everyone would be thrilled.
“Hopefully he’s obviously back and he’ll be my locker mate again,” Mixon said Monday. “At the end of the day, I’m sure he’ll do what’s best for him and the team. Selfishly, I think we’d all welcome Stef’s return with open arms.”
After trading a 2025 second-round pick to the Buffalo Bills, Houston voided the final three years of Diggs’ current deal, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. After Nico Collins signed an extension three years this offseason, it looked like the four-time Pro Bowler would be a success in Houston.
Diggs Market remains a mystery and the Texans enter the offseason. He was on track for another 100-catch season as Houston’s No. 2 receiver before a torn ACL suffered in Week 8 sidelined him for the rest of the year .
At 31 years old, Diggs could be looking for a short-term deal that would give him a chance to win a ring. That could be Houston, which returns several offensive players, including Mixon, Collins, quarterback CJ Stroud, tight end Dalton Schultz and Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.
Mixon said he’s been recruiting Diggs since day one hoping to have him there to help the back-to-back AFC South champions get over the hump and into the Super Bowl conversation.
“We were definitely on the same page,” Mixon said. “Obviously my man just got hurt. But it’s a business, that’s what’s unfortunate.”
Diggs, who finished with 47 catches for 496 yards and three touchdowns in eight games, could dominate a decent market on a one-year deal. Earlier this season, he mentioned he would be open to returning to Houston as he continues to attack his recovery.
CJ Stroud said he would love to have Stefon Diggs return next year. Diggs is a free agent this offseason.
“That’s my boy. We were just getting started.”
– Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) January 20, 2025
That will depend on general manager Nick Caserio, who could look to go younger and cheaper this offseason for a quality No. 2 threat. Plans could have changed after Tank Dell suffered a season-ending knee injury, which will likely keep him out for most of the 2025 campaign due to recovery time.
Mixon believes Diggs is on track to become better by 2025. Hopefully it ends better in the end zone while wearing a Texans uniform.
“I’m excited to have him back on his feet,” Mixon said. “I’m sure he’ll probably want to come back here. He’s got some unfinished business. I hope he’ll consider that.”
The Texans have about $10.6 million in cap space entering the offseason, although that figure could fluctuate after roster cuts and contract shakeups.
This article was originally published on Texans Wire: Joe Mixon hopes Texans bring back All-Pro WR for 2025 season
