Texans Prioritize Pass Protection, Receiver Help Ahead of Free Agency

HOUSTON – Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans highlighted the urgent need for improvements in pass protection and wide receiver depth during a recent press conference at the NFL Combine. With the upcoming free agency period, the Texans are focused on addressing weaknesses that hindered quarterback C.J. Stroud‘s performance last season.

Stroud, entering his third year, faced significant challenges, finishing the 2024 season ranked 15th in both passing yards (3,727) and touchdowns (20). The offensive line issues were stark, as Stroud was sacked 52 times – the second-most in the league – and faced pressure on 38.6% of his dropbacks, according to Next Gen Stats. The Texans’ receiving corps also suffered setbacks due to injuries, limiting their effectiveness throughout the season.

“Getting better protection for QB C.J. Stroud is definitely a main point of emphasis for us,” Ryans stated. “We know when C.J. is protected and has a clean pocket, he’s a pretty good quarterback.” Despite these challenges, the Texans managed to secure the AFC South title and reached the divisional round of the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Under Ryans’ new leadership, the Texans made changes to their coaching staff, including the dismissal of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and the hiring of Nick Caley as the new pass game coordinator. The hope is that these adjustments will improve an offense that averaged 22 points per game, ranking 18th in scoring last season.

In their playoff defeat, Stroud faced an onslaught, being sacked eight times by the opposing defense, and pressured on 56% of his dropbacks, a record high in playoff history since ESPN began tracking pressure rates in 2009. The Texans struggled to find reliable receiving options after key players suffered injuries; Collins was limited to just 100 snaps due to a hamstring injury, while Stefon Diggs’ promising season ended with a torn ACL.

With Diggs heading into free agency, the Texans face a critical decision. The two-time All-Pro receiver recorded 47 catches for 496 yards before his injury, contributing significantly to Stroud’s early success, where his passer rating was 104 when targeting Diggs. “Stef is rehabbing. He’s going to be a free agent. We’re going to have discussions with all our free agents,” general manager Nick Caserio said, reflecting on Diggs’ impact.

As of now, the Texans have $6.3 million in cap space, ranking them 26th in the NFL, which complicates their ability to re-sign Diggs and bolster their roster. However, Caserio expressed a commitment to exploring various options for creating additional cap space ahead of free agency, including player releases or restructures of contracts. “There are always different ways you can do it,” he noted. “We’re not going to be fixated on one particular thing.”

With the salary cap set to rise to $279.2 million, Ryans and Caserio are poised to make impactful decisions that could solidify the Texans’ aspirations for a Super Bowl run. “You need those playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position,” Ryans stressed. “It enhances your ability to move the football down the field and score points.”

The upcoming legal tampering period begins on March 10, allowing teams to negotiate with prospective free agents and reshape their rosters. For the Texans, this offseason represents a crucial juncture for building a competitive team capable of challenging for the title in the coming season.