5 Free Agents the Houston Texans Still Need for Their Offense

The Houston Texans are ready to go. With training camp approaching and the preseason games that go with it, the Texans are hoping to have their entire roster ready to play. Yet, as we get closer to the start of the season, we wonder if the team is as good as it can be.

There are legitimate concerns about the offensive line and its potential this season. The running backs room has been a concern, and while Case Keenum is the best talent we have behind CJ Stroud, we better hope Stroud doesn’t get hurt. Keenum can’t win a game with his arm anymore. Someone like Davis Mills seems like the best option, but if he’s not allowed to start Keenum, why should anyone think he’s the right guy to back up Stroud?

So we have some concerns and fortunately we have some options that we would like the team to explore.

1. G Connor Williams; 2023 Team – Miami Dolphins

The Houston Texans’ interior offensive line has been abysmal in 2023. The team relies heavily on players like Juice Scruggs and Kenyon Green. Neither of them have proven to be reliable starters. Connor Williams, a guard/center, is one of the best run blockers in the NFL and is a free agent. He would transform a very unimpressive offensive line into a much more credible one.

2. C Mason Cole; 2023 Team – Pittsburgh Steelers

A player like Mason Cole would be the perfect complement to Williams. He could fit right in at center and be an instant upgrade over what the team got at the position in 2023. Scruggs should start at center, but if he doesn’t perform well, then the team should consider Cole.

3. David Bakhtiari, OT; 2023 Team – Green Bay Packers

Tytus Howard is expected to return to right tackle in 2024, but if he doesn’t return, the Houston Texans’ offense will struggle. Howard is someone the team needs to return to his pre-2023 form, which may not happen. While David Bakhtiari isn’t exactly reliable when healthy, he’s a better player than Howard if he can stay healthy. It wouldn’t be the worst thing to do to bring in Bakhtiari as a backup and see if he can earn a spot.

4. RB Dalvin Cook; 2023 team(s) – New York Jets/Baltimore Ravens

Surprisingly, Cook went from a near-elite running back in 2022 to a jobless running back in 2024. There may still be life in those legs, and given the concerns over Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce, Cook could push the running back to improve. Especially if Pierce continues to be ineffective. Cook is also a pretty solid receiving option, which would give him a reason to be on the roster alongside Mixon.

5. QB Ryan Tannehill; 2023 Team – Tennessee Titans

Ryan Tannehill is on his last legs, but I’d still rather have him over Keenum. He’s even more athletic than Keenum and has proven he can win with a lackluster offense around him. No one should think Tannehill can recapture his Pro Bowl form at age 35, but as far as a consistent presence behind Stroud, you can’t do better than Tannehill right now. He’s certainly an upgrade over Keenum.