Tag: 2024 Houston Texans

How does new WR Ben Skowronek fit into Texans’ plans

New Houston Texans wide receiver Ben Skowronek could be an interesting jack-of-all-trades type of guy for the offense in 2024.

Ben Skowronek won’t be hitting waivers after all.

The Houston Texans have acquired the Los Angeles Rams’ special teams captain in exchange for a pick swap, according to reports. Instead of picking in their normal positions during the 2026 draft, the Rams and Texans will swap positions in the sixth and seventh rounds.

Skowronek, 26, is entering his fourth season since being a seventh-round pick out of Notre Dame. He’s mostly been a productive backup during his time out west but proved to have upside as a part-time starter during the 2022 season in place of Cooper Kupp.

Skowronek had his role reduced last season, playing only 19% of offensive snaps after playing 82% in 2022. Of course, with the emergence of rookie sensation Puka Nacua, reps were scarce in the passing attack.

It’ll be more of the same in Houston entering training camp. General manager Nick Caserio has proven his willingness to be aggressive in landing talent he covets, but it doesn’t mean the player will be a Day 1 starter.

Cracking the starting lineup will be challenging, let alone the active 53-man roster. Houston traded a 2025 second-round pick earlier this offseason to acquire four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs from Buffalo. The Texans also bring back breakout stars Tank Dell and Nico Collins, along with John Metchie III.

Where Skowronek likely earns his place in on special teams. Since joining the Rams in 2021, he’s played at least 58% percent of special teams snaps, including 71% of special teams snaps in 2023.

Skowronek made 13 tackles last season and was one of the top gunners on kickoffs and punts.

Nothing should be promised regarding Skowronek’s role, but given the expertise on special teams, he could have an upper hand over most. He first will have to beat out other receivers like Noah Brown, Robert Woods, Xavier Hutchinson, Steven Sims and others for a spot on the active roster.

Should Texans Trade For Saints Pro Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore?

In a recent article Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay mocked the Texans acquiring Marshon Lattimore, but is it a move they should consider?

The Houston Texans have been one of the league’s more active teams this offseason as they prepare to build off last year’s surprise playoff run. 

Even after landing Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with its first selection in last month’s draft, cornerback remains a position of need. And with the Texans following the “all-in” persona, perhaps they’re willing to part with another mid-round pick for a high-profile prospect.

In the latest article Bleacher Report, Alex Kay positioned a trade that would send four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore to Houston in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick.

Lattimore, 27, could come with a lower trade value since the Saints are up against the salary cap. New Orleans will be a league-high $72.8 million over the cap in 2025 due to its refusal to rebuild since the retirement of future Hall of Fame quarterbak Drew Brees. 

The Saints have been in a comparable spot for years but always got under the salary threshold by trading some of their highest earners and Lattimore fits the description. He’s slated to make $14.6 million in 2024 before the per-year price jumps to $31.4 million in 2025 and $28.6 million in the final year of the deal. 

Moving on from Lattimore seems more reasonable after the New Oreleans selection of Kool-Aid McKinstry in Round 2. The Alabama product has the tools to be a day-one starter, making Lattimore flexible to ship elsewhere. 

Houston continues to be in the market for veteran talent as it tries to put together a deep playoff run while franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud remains on his rookie contract. 

Below is why the Texans should and should not trade for Lattimore. 

Why The Texans Should Make A Trade

Since being selected with the 11th pick in the 2017 draft, Lattimore has been one of the league’s best defensive backs. In seven seasons, he’s had 15 interceptions along with 86  defelcted passes and two defensive touchdowns.

Houston has spent the offseason throwing several darts at the position, hoping one sticks opposite of Derek Stingley Jr. During free agency, the

Texans took chances on one-year deals with former first-round picks Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson. In the draft, they took Lassiter, who has experience both in the slot and on the boundary. 

Lattimore would immedietly start opposite the third-year Stingley while Lassiter settled into the NFL. Lassiter likely would compete with veteran Desmond King for first-team reps at the nickel.  

Houston’s already made multiple win-now moves throughout the offseason as it prepares for a first-place schedule after winning the AFC South. Next season, the Texans face seven teams ranked in the top 10 for passing yards from a year ago.

And keep in mind that the Bears just added No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams and the Jets welcome back Aaron Rodgers in their hunt for a postseason berth. 

While the Texans had an above-average defensive unit a year ago, their pass coverage numbers were underwhelming. Opponents averaged the sixth-highest (6.5) net yards gained per pass attempt against Houston’s secondary last season. Houston’s upgraded its pass rush, but adding Lattimore would take the defense from the middle of the pack to the upper echelon. 

Lattimore might be a veteran, but he’s still in his prime entering Year 8. His addition would bring a veteran presence to a young but prosperous defensive back room. 

Why The Texans Should Not Make A Trade

Despite still having $23 million in 2024 cap space and a projected $46 million next offseason, Houston needs to plan beyond this fall when discussing extensions to players who prospered a season ago. 

Nico Collins is in the last year of his deals and will command a significant pay raise. So will Stefon Diggs, whom Houston traded a 2025 second-round pick for to Buffalo earlier this offseason. Even after voiding the final three years of his contract, the four-time Pro Bowl target remains in talks toward a new deal. 

Christian Harris, Denico Autry and Jalen Pitre will be free agents entering 2026. So could Stingely and fellow former first-round pick Kenyon Green if GM Nick Caserio elects to pass on picking up their fifth-year options. 

In 2026, four of Houston’s anticipated offensive line starters, including All-Pro Laremy Tunsil, will hit the market.

Reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and Stroud’s second contracts will likely be near the top of their position group if they continue their trajectory toward stardom. 

More to the point, acquiring Lattimore is an immediate splash move, but it also impairs Houston’s spending limits in the future.

Injuries have also limited Lattimore to playing in half of the Saints’ games the past two seasons, making him a risky option with a significant hit against his team’s salary cap. 

 

The same injuries have hurt Lattimore’s versatility in coverage. When Lattimore has been in coverage the past two seasons, the opposing receiver’s average yards per reception is 11.3, the lowest mark of his career. 

New Orleans is no longer asking Lattimore to carry receivers downfield. Instead, it’s transitioned him to playing more underneath coverage. It’s hard to imagine the Texans wanting to bring in an oft-injured, expensive, scheme-dependent cornerback rather than find a cheap stop plug.

Caserio has also done well in this area in recent years, gaining quality play from veteran options such as King and Steven Nelson, who could return on another short-term deal. 

Should Texans extend Nico Collins before 2024 season begins?

With Nico Collins entering the final year of his rookie contract, and annual salaries rising, The Houston Texans should extend him now.

NFL free agency started over a month ago, and the NFL draft happened last week, leaving fans to wait for rookie minicamp and offseason training activities to start.

Now enters one of the quietest times of the year for fans, but it doesn’t mean teams aren’t working hard behind the scenes to improve their rosters.

The Houston Texans are in a good spot after an extremely active offseason. Houston filled several holes in free agency and through offseason trades, bolstering its roster to compete with the elite teams in the AFC for years to come.

There’s more work to do, and with $23.6 million in cap space, according to Over The Cap, the Texans have plenty of ammunition to secure deals. But what about taking care of one of their own?

Wide receiver Nico Collins is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Because he was not a first-round pick, he cannot receive a fifth-year option.

Houston’s options are either to make him a deal, put him on the franchise tag after the season, or watch him walk in free agency.

Collins had a breakout third season, totaling 80 receptions for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns while becoming quarterback C.J. Stroud’s primary target. The former third-round pick is in line for a cushy new contract that reflects his level of play.

On “The Athletic Football Show“, co-hosts Nate Tice and Robert Mays argued that Houston should look to make a deal sooner rather than later. So what’s the holdup?

 

Injuries, inadequate quarterback play, and an overall bad environment for a young wide receiver hurt Collins in his first two seasons. The results were 70 catches for 927 yards and three touchdowns across 24 games. 

Houston may want to see another year of production before they hand out wide receiver one money to Collins. The acquisition of former All-Pro Stefon Diggs adds to the target competition, so how Collins plays alongside a fellow upper-echelon wideout may factor into its decision.

However, it’s a dangerous game to wait and see. Around the league, teams are locking up their young receivers, with Indianapolis signing Michael Pittman Jr. to a three-year deal worth $70 million, including a $46 million total guarantee, and Philadelphia inking Devonta Smith to a three-year, $75 million contract.

Neither Pittman nor Smith reached Collins’ level in 2023, though both have been sturdy options in their respective passing games, hence why Tice and Mays argue the Texans should get the deal done now before the asking price expands to top-10 status next offseason. 

“He (Collins) looks like a top-10 guy now, and I would give him Devonta Smith pay, so he plays like A.J. Brown,” Mays said.

Smith’s $25 million annual salary serves as a good benchmark for a potential Collins extension. However, as more time passes, more teams iron out deals. 

The Lions inked Amon-Ra St. Brown to a four-year, $120 million contract – the largest annual average for a receiver until Brown’s three-year, $96 million extension –  on Apr. 24. St. Brown’s contract includes $77 million in guarantees the second most behind Brown’s monster deal which guarantees him $84 million. 

Star receivers like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase are awaiting new deals, and both will likely reset the market by this time next offseason. 

The price tag for receivers — more specifically leading targets — only continues to grow. In 2019, Julio Jones’ three-year, $66 million was the largest extension. Today, Jones’ 22 million salary would rank lower than  Diggs’ $22.5 million pay, which currently is the 12th highest-ranked contract among receivers, according to Spotrac. 

While the logic of waiting another year and making Collins prove he’s elite holds some merit, what if he takes another step in Year 4?

In games featuring Tank Dell, Collins posted 50 receptions for 800 yards and five touchdowns. Over 17 games, the average comes out to 85 catches, 1,360 yards, and eight touchdowns. 

Diggs’ arrival only takes more attention off of Collins. An improved run game and better health along the offensive line bodes well for the offense as a whole and for Collins to raise his efficiency level, which was top five in nearly every metric last season.

Pro Football Focus graded him as the fifth-best receiver last year, and he finished top in yards after catch per reception and yards per route run. 

Texans general manager Nick Caserio hasn’t been keen on giving lucrative contracts. In three years, the largest contract he’s dished out was to All-Pro Laremy Tunsil worth $75 million over three years. 

It would make sense for Collins’ deal to be in a similar range. A three-year extension would come off the books right as Stroud enters his sixth season, which, if the Texans use the fifth-year option, would be the first year of his perceived monster deal. 

Nobody expected Collins to be a number one option heading into last season, but now it’s clear he can be for years.

The clock is ticking for Caserio and company to complete a deal. 

46 Texans players slated to become free agents in 2025

With the 2024 season right around the corner, which Houston Texans are entering the final year of their contracts?

The 2024 NFL draft is in the books, and the Houston Texans have improved as a roster. At least that’s how DeMeco Ryans feels with the nine newcomers set to better Houston’s odds of winning a Super Bowl come February in New Orleans.

“We like all the guys that we were able to pick,” Ryans said early Saturday evening. “We want to work with these guys. We’re fired up about it.”

The Texans are confident this could be their year. They should, too, after spending over $150 million in guaranteed money to secure high-profile free agents like defensive end Danielle Hunter, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and defensive lineman Denico Autry. Houston also traded draft capital to acquire Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon and elevations to an already promising offense headlined by C.J. Stroud.

Houston’s all-in for 2024 because it has to be. Next offseason, 46 of the current 87 players on staff will hit free agency. And sure, several lower-tier names are easy to replace, but Diggs isn’t one of them. Neither is potentially Jimmie Ward, Houston’s defensive captain and vocal leader on the field.

Don’t forget about Nico Collins, either. The breakout pass-catcher is coming off a career season and wants to be properly compensated. General manager Nick Caserio has mentioned talks of an extension, but that was before the team acquired Diggs. Now, Collins might be willing to bet on himself for more money on the market.

Before rookie minicamp begins, let’s take an early look at the 46 Bears players slated to hit free agency in 2025.

DL Ali Gaye

DB Brandon Hill

WR Johnny Johnson

RB Gerrid Doaks

TE Dalton Keene

CB Troy Pride Jr.

WR Jared Wayne

LB Marcus Haynes

OT Jaylon Thomas

Watch: Highlights of new Texans safety Calen Bullock

It wouldn’t be a Texans draft without a draft-day trade and with the move up eight spots, who recently secured the services of Calen Bullock from USC.

Nobody is surprised general manager Nick Caserio is making a draft-day trade. Actually, it’s shocking that it took until the third round. 

The Houston Texans moved their third-round pick (No. 86) and one of their two fourth-round (No.123) picks acquired in the Deshaun Watson trade in exchange for pick No.78 from the Philadelphia Eagles to select USC defensive back Calen Bullock in the 2024 NFL draft Friday evening. 

Last year, the two teams made three draft-day trades. Houston still holds pick No. 127 in the fourth round heading into Day 3. 

Bullock, an All-Pac-12 first-team defender, is the second defensive back drafted by the Texans on Friday evening, joining Georgia cornerback Kamari Lassiter. Houston also used another second-round pick (No. 59). on Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher. 

“My mom was crying. I felt good about the pick. The coaching staff, they loved me as a player and a person. I felt good about it,” Bullock said to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson.

 

Bullock intercepted nine passes at USC, broke up 15 passes, and returned two for touchdowns. He is a rangy safety gifted with length and athleticism and upside in coverage. 

The move follows a rocky season from former second-round pick Jalen Pitre. He struggled to shore up the back end, specifically on deep passes. Jimmie Ward’s health likely contributed to the selection as well.

Bullock can play multiple positions. He played 42 percent of his defensive snaps at free safety, 30 percent at slot corner and 19 percent in the box in packages with more defensive backs on the field.

Because of his 6-foot-2 frame, the Texans may flirt with the idea of moving him to cornerback. Bullock is a welcome addition to a defense looking to improve upon allowing the 10th most passing yards a year ago.

Watch: Highlights of new Texans OT Blake Fisher

The Houston Texans acquired what some believe has the potential to be the best tackle prospect in the NFL Draft with the 59th pick

The Texans selected Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher with the No. 59 overall pick of the second round in the 2024 NFL draft on Friday evening.

Fisher, 21, is a proven standout, totaling 27 starts at Notre Dame, 26 of which came at right tackle. He made program history by becoming the first true freshman in Notre Dame history to start at left tackle in 2021.

Fisher was a teammate of current Texans offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson while at Notre Dame and remains close friends with him after his departure from South Bend. 

There’s a high ceiling with Fisher and versatility to move him around. He can start at either side of the line and said he’s willing to shift inside to guard if asked.  At 6-foot-6 and 310 pounds, Fisher is a fluid mover. He posted the fourth-highest broad jump at 9 foot, 6 inches during the NFL Combine.

With five starters likely set for the start of the season, there’s no rush to put Fisher in. He’ll have the opportunity to sit and learn behind two talented tackles, Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard.

Plus, investing in the guys protecting a franchise quarterback never hurts. 

“My game is dominant,” Fisher said to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson

Watch: Highlights of new Texans CB Kamari Lassiter

The Houston Texans made Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter the 42 overall pick, addressing an area of need in the secondary for the upcoming 2024 season.

The Houston Texans made sure to hit a home run with their first pick of the 2024 NFL draft. One could say the Texans landed an “Alpha Dawg.”

Houston selected Georgia defensive back Kamari Lassiter with the No. 42 overall pick in the second round Friday evening. Lassiter was one of several cornerbacks linked to the Texans from the jump given his play style and demeanor. 

Lassiter, 21, started the previous two seasons for the Bulldogs and was a factor during his freshman campaign en route to winning a national title over Alabama. He his draft stock took a tumble after running a 4.65 40-time at his pro day.

While the speed was a concern, his on-field play left little for teams to complain about. According to Pro Football Focus, opponents targeted Lassiter 39 times, in which he allowed 15 receptions.

Lassiter only allowed 136 receiving yards and zero touchdowns during his final season in Athens. Opposing quarterbacks had a 48.7 passer rating when going after the 6-foot corner in coverage.

Lassiter was a part of a four-pick run on defensive backs. Philadelphia and New Orleans moved ahead of Houston and selected Cooper DeJean and Kool-Aid McKinstry. The Texans picked Lassiter, and the Cardinals followed with Rutgers DB Max Melton.

The Texans needed a cornerback, and free agent signings Jeff Okudah and CJ Henderson expect to compete for the starting role opposite third-year star Derek Stingley Jr. Both signings are for one year, so Lassiter may sit for a year or move to nickel or safety.

“I feel like I can play anywhere. Texans fans you’re getting the ultimate competitor,” Lassiter said to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. “I look forward to playing for coach Ryans.”

Texans sign Browns LB Jacob Phillips to one-year deal

The Houston Texans are bringing in linebacker depth by signing former Browns standout Jacob Phillips.

Linebacker depth was a concern for the Houston Texans entering the 2024 NFL draft. Now, it’s moved down the pecking order. 

The Texans agreed to terms with former Cleveland Browns linebacker Jacob Phillips on a one-year deal, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Phillips should fill a similar role to that of rotational linebacker Denzel Perryman, who signed a one-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Phillips, 25, spent four seasons in Cleveland after being drafted out of LSU in 2020. Surprisingly, the pick belonged to the Texans, who traded it to the Browns in exchange for running back Duke Johnson. 

During his time with the AFC North franchise, Phillips recorded 88 tackles, three sacks and five pass deflections. His best season came in 2022 when he notched 46 tackles and two sacks. 

Phillips missed the entirety of the 2023 season after suffering a torn pectoral muscle during a preseason game against Washington. The year prior, he missed the final two months of the regular season after suffering a similar injury during a regular season game against Baltimore in October. 

A native of Nashville, Phillips should fill in as a multi-purpose replacement for both Christian Harris and Azeez Al-Shaair. After a breakout season with the Titans in 2023, Houston elected to reunite Al-Shaair with DeMeco Ryans, signing him to a three-year deal worth $34 million. 

Just because the Texans added Phillips doesn’t mean they won’t target a linebacker. In four years, the former third-round pick has been limited to 20 games due to injury. Currently, Houston only has Henry To’oTo’o as an option with extensive reps under his belt. 

The Texans own nine picks in the draft, though general manager Nick Caserio has been known for working the phone lines in trades. Last season, Houston made a franchise record eight trades, including moving up to No. 3 with the Arizona Cardinals to acquire eventual Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. 

“We’ll see if that changes or stays static,” Caserio said Thursday when asked about the draft strategy. “Given our history, it will probably change at some point.”

What is Texans GM Nick Caserio looking for in 2024 NFL draft?

Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio gave a better look at the team’s draft strategy heading into Thursday night.

With the 2024 NFL draft officially a week away, most general managers will meet one final time with reporters before on the clock. 

The Houston Texans aren’t positioned to draft on Day 1 after sending the 23rd overall pick to the Minnesota Vikings. However, they do hold two selections in the second round at picks No. 42 and No. 59, respectively. 

General manager Nick Caserio didn’t mince his words when discussing potential roles for draft picks.

“Whoever we draft, hopefully, they’ll come in here and create a role and niche for themselves,” Caserio told reporters Thursday. ‘It’s probably going to be hard to make this team or make a significant impact.”

Since Caserio arrived from New England in 2021, his approach has been to rebuild the team through short-term deals in free agency while finding long-term fixtures in the draft. Over the past two seasons, Houston’s played more rookies than nearly every other franchise. 

The rookies of the past or now veterans of the present, leaving fewer holes to fill on the roster following a promising first season under new coach DeMeco Ryans. 

Houston’s actions align with Caserio’s comments. The Texans feel content at cornerback after inking one-year deals with Jeff Okudah and C..J. Henderson to play opposite Derek Stingley Jr. At linebacker, there’s newcomer Azeez Al-Shaair and third-year pro Christian Harris. 

Even after trading Maliek Collins and losing Sheldon Rankins to free agency, the Texans stockpiled options at defensive tackle, including signing former Jaguars starter Foley Fatukasi and Titans’ standout Denico Autry. 

“Generally speaking, a lot of these players are behind just relative to their development, where they are physically,” said Caserio. “I would say for whatever reason this year, seems like more players are further behind.”

There are multiple ways to comprehend that, but the Texans may use the draft as an avenue for depth purposes over adding first-year starters like last April with the selections of C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. 

Houston signed the second-most players during free agency at 24, according to Over the Cap. 

“The big thing is trying to add the right people with the right mindset and right mentality that just want to come in and work hard and do their job,” Caserio said. “Again, try to create as competitive an environment and situation as possible, which DeMeco has talked about that.”

The challenging part of the pre-draft process is learning about prospects past the X’s and O’s and rather the personality. Perhaps the best way to do this is to bring them in on visits, which the Texans have not wasted.

Houston’s brought in over a dozen players for top 30 visits and hosted its local prospect day on Apr. 4.

Caserio has been keen on drafting players who have had top 30 visits with Houston because he and the coaches can gather the information needed to feel comfortable selecting them.

Stroud and Anderson, who won Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year, respectively, after dominant campaigns, visited NRG Stadium a year ago. Five of the Texans’ nine draft picks from the 2022 class came in for top-30 visits. 

“You’re just trying to gain as much information as you can so you can make a good decision,” Caserio said. “If there is a loophole that you need to close, this provides you an opportunity to do so.”

Houston has nine picks entering Thursday night. That’s likely to change given Caserio’s track record over the previous two years.

In back-to-back drafts, Caserio has orchestrated franchise-record totals in draft-day trades. Last season, he made eight pick swaps, doubling his total from 2022.

“The draft ends ups being really about positioning and where do you think you have to move,” Caserio said. “It’s knowing the players not only at the top, but at the bottom as well.”

Houston has four picks in the final two rounds, so finding talent to help the team for the long haul might be the goal. Caserio highlighted 2023 seventh-round pick Brandon Hill as someone who rarely contributed during his rookie year but could be ready for more time.

“Some players in this year’s draft who physically might not be ready to contribute maybe early on in the season, so maybe you’re drafting them for next year,” Caserio said.

Texans WR Tank Dell progressing well following season-ending injury

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud has been working out with several of his receivers, including Tank Dell, who Stroud says “Looks great.”

As the Houston Texans prepare to run it back as AFC South champions, one key element is working his way back from a season-ending injury.

Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud told reporters Monday during his media session that fellow second-year star Tank looks “great” in his recovery, and should be cleared for the start of training camp.

Dell, Houston’s third-round pick and No. 2 receiver, suffered a fractured leg in early December against the Denver Broncos

“He’s gotten a lot better,” said Stroud. “Mentally, I think for both of us, really all of the rookies coming into Year 2, everything is starting to slow down, and the wheels aren’t turning so much up in your head. You’re starting to play ball.”

In 11 games, Dell caught 47 passes for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. He set the franchise rookie record for touchdown catches and yards in a single game with a 145-yard performance against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 3. 

He later broke his record with a 149-yard outing against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 11. 

Dell, 24, was playing his best ball leading up to the injury. Over his final four full games, the former Houston Cougar totaled 25 receptions for 369 yards and five touchdowns. He was on pace to catch Andre Johnson’s rookie record receiving yardage (976) entering December. 

Per projections, Dell was expected to finish with over 1,200 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, which would have been second-most among rookies behind Los Angeles Rams’ Puka Nacua.

Initially believed to be a season-ending injury, there were rumors Dell could rejoin the team deeper in the postseason. The possibility never came to fruition following a loss in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Instead, the Texans let their rookie heal and prepare for the next season. 

“Tank is back and he’s starting to get in with our guys here with the offseason programs,” said coach DeMeco Ryans. “So, I’m excited to have Tank back. That was a devastating loss for us last year, losing him. He’s such a dynamic player for us, such an inspiration for myself, a lot of our team.

Dell’s been working with NFL wide receiver and tight end specialist trainer Delfonte Diamond, who posted multiple videos documenting workouts throughout the offseason.

Diamond stated Dell will be ready when the Texans start offseason training activities on May 20. 

A healthy Dell returns to a new-look Texans offense that includes the recently acquired Stefon Diggs and breakout receiver Nico Collins. Combined, the trio might be the league’s top passing unit a year removed from finishing top 10. 

Diggs caught 100-plus passes during his four seasons with the Buffalo Bills.  Collins finished eighth overall in receiving yards and became the third play in franchise history to total over 1,200 yards in a single season. 

Dell and Stroud, along with Diggs and third-year receiver John Metchie, recently had organized a throwing session out in Los Angeles earlier this month.

“Being able to throw with him in L.A. was really big and [John] Metchie looks amazing as well – some of the other guys that came out as well,” Stroud said. “It’s been amazing to get some work in.”

The Texans may open things up in the air with the new trio. They ran three wide receiver sets on first down 39% of the time, which is the eighth fewest in the league, according to NFLEO. 

Dell and Diggs played around 70% of their snaps as outside receivers, with the other 30% coming in the slot. With either receiver capable of playing both roles, offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik’s playbook opens up in year two. 

“I think we have a lot of potential,” Stroud said. “A ton of guys who have played a lot of meaningful ball. A lot of guys who can do different things with the ball, which is amazing.”