The Houston Texans continued to make progress in 2024, solidifying as a team. With the quarter-Arrière CJ Stroud or head coach Demeco Ryans by promoting a culture of tenacity and responsibility, Houston published a record of 10-7 And again won a berth in the playoffs. The Texans even won another victory in the playoffs before falling into the AFC division tour. Now, while they are trying to rely on this success and to take the next step towards the dispute of the title, they must make difficult decisions to align.
The next phase for Houston
Stroud entering his third season, he has already flashed the potential of Superstar. He has sailed both early growth pain and moments of shine. The biggest challenge for Houston This offseason is to optimize the list around Stroud. If the Texans hope to compete for the title AFC South in 2025, they will have to release the hood space. This is a challenge given their limited ways for savings.
The first major movement came with the dismissal of the offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and the hiring of the former coordinator of the Rams Pass game, Nick Campy, to take over the offensive. Now the Texans must ensure that Caley has the right parts in place. It starts with the improvement of the offensive line, because Stroud has been dismissed 52 times. It was the second plus in the NFL. The offensive could also use additional game leaders to complete the large receiver Nico Collins and the ball carrier Joe Mixon. They must give Stroud more weapons with whom to work while Houston aims to build a more dynamic and balanced attack in 2025.
Here, we will try to identify the three players who are the candidates of Houston Texans who entered the offseason of the NFL 2025.
1. Denico Autry, Dt
Signed as a veteran pass to strengthen Houston’s defensive line, Denico Autry delivered decent production in 2024. However, he now finds himself as a potential ceiling victim. At 34, its value for the team is weighed with the need for financial flexibility. Others managed three bags and nine pressures last season, proving that he can always contribute a little to a rotation role. That said, with Will Anderson Jr emerging like a defensive cornerstone and other younger rushers like Derek Barnett, the Texans could choose to go to others.
Although the restructures and extensions can be the more viable route, the Autry Cup is one of the rare movements that could provide immediate relief. He only played 25% of Houston’s defensive shots in 2024. These figures are unable to justify his $ 11 million ceiling. Cutting it would release nearly $ 6 million. This could be reinvested in a more profitable defensive strengthening or used elsewhere to improve the list.
2. Dameon Pierce, RB
At one point, Dameon Pierce seemed ready to be the Houston franchise. He broke into the stage as a recruit in 2022 with 939 yards on the ground in just 13 games. However, injuries and the declining efficiency rate derailed his trajectory in 2023. By 2024, he had lost his starting job against Mixon. Pierce only succeeded in 293 yards on the ground and 40 races, far from the impact he once had.
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Given the close situation of the salary ceiling, they must identify the areas where they can reduce costs. The relief of the ceiling of $ 1.1 million in pierce would not change the situation. However, with a year remaining on his contract, his list place seems increasingly vulnerable. The Texans could turn to a younger and more dynamic ball carrier via the project or the free agency. This would guarantee that their offense remains explosive while reducing unnecessary financial commitments.
3. Shaq Mason, OL
The Texans offensive line had difficulties in 2024. If the team hopes to take the next offensive step, the improvement of the unit will be a priority. Shaq Mason was brought to add stability, but its $ 8.5 million ceiling affected in 2025 made him a possible cup candidate. This is particularly true given his incoherent game last season. The 31 -year -old has granted eight bags and ranked 92nd on 135 racing guards, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). Of course, Mason was not the main problem. However, Texans must assess whether his contract is worth preserved or if these funds could be better used elsewhere.
The financial aspect of the potential release of Mason is delicate. Cutting it before June 1 would create a dead $ 12.5 million while saving only $ 2.1 million. This makes a decision less than ideal. However, a post-June 1 designation would provide relief from the much more favorable ceiling of $ 9.4 million. This is a figure that could greatly contribute to improving the depth of the Houston offensive line.
Given the need of Texans to protect Stroud, the simple fact of cutting Mason without a clear replacement plan would be risky. If Houston finds a viable guardian of departure caliber in a free agency or the project, they could strongly consider a post-June version.
Ahead
While Houston’s Texans are preparing for the 2025 off -season, each decision they make will shape their ability to cope with a deeper eliminatory series. While separating from Denico Autry, Dameon Pierce and Shaq Mason will not be easy, these movements could provide relief of the hood essential to resolve key weaknesses, whether it is to strengthen the offensive line, to add Journs of play for CJ Stroud or to strengthen the defense. The Texans are no longer in rebuilding mode – they are by winning territory, and the maximization of the efficiency of the list will be crucial. If Houston performs the movements of the right off -season, they could consolidate themselves as a real competitor of the AFC for the years to come.
