Texans’ free agency haul proves they’re a destination for big players

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans made a profound statement during his introductory press conference on Feb. 2, 2023.

“We’re on the cusp,” Ryans said about the Texans. “We have to add some pieces to what we’re doing here, but I’m so excited to get started and get to work with you young guys and to build a winning program here with the Texans. I’m fired up. The excitement is real, and I can’t wait to get to work, to get to coaching.”

One year later, Houston passed “on the cusp” and became one of the teams to watch in the AFC. Not only did Ryans’ message resonate with his team, but it sent a message to future free agents that the Texans were no longer the team that the rest of the league laughed at because of the disarray surrounding the organization. Nor would they be circled on the schedule by their opponents as an easy win.

“For any free agent, it is about opportunity,” Ryans said at the end of the season. Guys want opportunities to showcase their talent when they are free agents, with people seeing how we play…especially seeing C.J., I think a lot of people will want to play here in Houston.” pic.twitter.com/cLENEeMJHL

— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) March 14, 2024

Ryans, whom the Texans selected as a player the 2006 NFL draft and spent six seasons with the team, put his words into action during the 2023 season as he helped lead the team back to prominence. They won the AFC South, made the playoffs and advanced to the divisional round for the first time since 2019. All that progress proved to upcoming free agents that Houston could be a great landing spot for them if they wanted to win.

So it should come as no surprise that many analysts have complimented the Texans for the job they have done in the free-agent market thus far. Houston landed quality players like edge rusher Danielle Hunter, defensive lineman Denico Autry, and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. All there should make an immediate impact for Houston’s defense

“For any free agent, it is about opportunity,” Ryans said at his final press conference of the season about the free agent market. “Guys want opportunities to showcase their talent when they are free agents, and now, with people seeing how we play, seeing our young core players, especially seeing C.J. [Stroud], I think a lot of people will want to play here in Houston.

“That comes from the success that these guys have had. How they have shown up on the field. I think you get that recognition and that credibility from your peers from around the league, and that is what matters the most. Guys watch the tape, and they see how we play and how we operate, and I think that will be inviting a lot of free agents to come here. But for me, it will always be about the people, and getting the right people in is everything to me.”

Houston is still in the market to add more talent to the team through free agency and still has some cap money to play with, which could increase if general manager Nick Caserio can get some current players to restructure their contracts.