The Houston Texans have wasted no time making moves in NFL free agency, reinforcing key positions while dealing with the departure of safety Eric Murray to the Jacksonville Jaguars. With their young core led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Texans are looking to build on their 2024 success and take the next step toward playoff contention in 2025.
Early in free agency, Houston made calculated moves—some to address losses and others to add depth and versatility to both sides of the ball. Key transactions include re-signing defensive end Derek Barnett, adding Tremon Smith to the secondary, and securing Braxton Berrios as a reliable receiving option. Meanwhile, speculation swirls around a possible reunion with Stefon Diggs, who was recently spotted at the Houston Rodeo.
Let’s break down the Texans’ early free agency moves and what they mean for the team moving forward.
Key Departures: Eric Murray Signs with Jaguars
The biggest loss for Houston so far has been safety Eric Murray, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Murray was a versatile defensive back who provided depth and leadership in the secondary. While not an elite playmaker, he was a dependable presence, and his departure leaves a hole in the Texans’ defensive backfield.
To address this, Houston quickly responded by signing Tremon Smith, a former Texan who returns on a two-year, $7.5 million contract.
Key Additions: Texans Shore Up Defense
With head coach DeMeco Ryans prioritizing defensive consistency, the Texans made two notable defensive moves:
1. Tremon Smith Returns to Houston
Tremon Smith spent time with Houston in 2021 and 2022 before moving to the Denver Broncos. Known for his versatility and special teams impact, Smith provides depth in the secondary and could compete for more playing time.
- Contract: 2 years, $7.5 million
- Role: Backup defensive back and special teams contributor
- Impact: Depth signing, will likely compete for snaps at cornerback and nickel packages
Smith’s return softens the loss of Murray, but the Texans may still look for another safety option in the draft or later in free agency.
2. Derek Barnett Re-Signs for Defensive Stability
The Texans retained defensive end Derek Barnett on a one-year, $5 million contract.
Barnett, a former first-round pick, joined Houston midway through 2024 and proved to be a solid rotational pass-rusher. With Will Anderson Jr. emerging as a star, Barnett provides veteran leadership and added depth on the defensive line.
- Contract: 1 year, $5 million
- Role: Rotational pass-rusher
- Impact: Experience and pass-rush depth behind Anderson Jr.
The move ensures that Houston maintains a strong defensive front, an area that was crucial to their impressive 2024 season.
3. Sheldon Rankins Returns to Strengthen the Defensive Line
Another key re-signing was defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, who returns on a one-year, $7 million deal.
Rankins was a disruptive force in the interior last season, helping Houston’s run defense improve significantly. His ability to pressure quarterbacks from the inside makes him a valuable piece in the Texans’ defensive scheme.
- Contract: 1 year, $7 million
- Role: Starting defensive tackle
- Impact: Solidifies the interior D-line alongside Maliek Collins
Retaining Rankins ensures continuity on the Texans’ defensive front, which will be crucial as they face top-tier AFC offenses in 2025.
Offensive Moves: Braxton Berrios Adds WR Depth
On the offensive side, the Texans signed wide receiver Braxton Berrios to a one-year, $2 million contract.
Berrios is best known for his work as a slot receiver and return specialist. While he may not be a WR1, his ability to create plays on short routes and special teams makes him a valuable addition to Houston’s offense.
- Contract: 1 year, $2 million
- Role: Slot receiver and punt returner
- Impact: Depth signing with versatility on special teams
With C.J. Stroud developing into a franchise quarterback, adding reliable short-yardage targets like Berrios could help the offense maintain balance.
Is Stefon Diggs Returning to Houston?
One of the most intriguing rumors surrounding the Texans is the possible return of Stefon Diggs.
Diggs, currently with the Buffalo Bills, was spotted at the Houston Rodeo, sparking speculation that he could reunite with the Texans. However, reports indicate that Houston is not actively pursuing him at this time.
Still, Diggs’ presence in Houston has raised eyebrows, especially since he is under contract with Buffalo but has expressed frustration with the Bills in the past. If Buffalo decides to move on from Diggs, the Texans could be a potential trade destination—but only if they believe he fits their long-term plans.
- Likelihood: Low, but not impossible
- Impact if signed: Elite WR1 to pair with Stroud
- Challenges: Cap space and potential trade cost
For now, Houston seems content with its current wide receiver room, but Diggs’ name will likely continue to be linked with the Texans until his future with Buffalo is resolved.
Final Thoughts: Are the Texans Better After These Moves?
Houston’s early free agency approach has been about maintaining continuity while filling key gaps. They lost Eric Murray, but brought back key defensive pieces in Barnett and Rankins while adding depth with Tremon Smith and Braxton Berrios.
The biggest question moving forward is whether they will pursue a big move at wide receiver, particularly if the Diggs rumors continue to gain traction.
Grade for Texans’ Early Free Agency Moves: B+
✅ Re-signed key defensive players
✅ Added depth in secondary and special teams
✅ Did not overspend on any player
❌ Still need a true WR1 to pair with Stroud
With the NFL Draft still ahead, Houston is in a strong position to make additional moves. If they continue adding quality depth and possibly land a big-name playmaker, they could be legitimate contenders in the AFC in 2025.
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