The Houston Texans are always looking to bolster any position of head of the postseason. Last week, the AFC South champions secured the services of wide receiver Diontae Johnson as the replacement for Tank Dell in the passing game.
A week later, they tried to better their defensive line entering Week 18’s regular-season finale. Unfortunately, Houston wasn’t the only team in need of bettering its interior defensive line.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans were one of four teams that attempted to claim former Washington Commanders defensive lineman Phidarian Mathis, who landed with the New York Jets.
Others in the mix were the Cincinnati Bengals and Detriot Lions, who also could be making a postseason run down to New Orleans for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy.
Phidarian Mathis was a popular player on waivers, as four teams total tried to claim him: #Jets, #Texans, #Bengals and #Lions. He landed with NYJ. https://t.co/88mKgjEU5G
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 30, 2024
The Texans need immediate depth on the defensive line to finish out the season and any potential playoff run, but Mathis would’ve been a nicer, long-term grab to develop, too.
Foley Fatukaski’s status for the postseason remains a mystery after he suffered an ankle injury in Week 15’s win over the Miami Dolphins. Outside of him, Houston has rotated in Kurt Hinish and Tommy Togiai behind Tim Settle, Mario Edwards and Dencio Autry.
Mathis, a second-round pick in 2022 out of Alabama, missed all but one game during his rookie season with a knee injury. He appeared in 22 games over the last two seasons, recording 25 tackles, a pass defensed and a fumble recovery.
The third-year pro is under contract through 2025, so he could have factored into the Texans’ plans with a strong finish to close out the regular season.
The Texans close out the 2024 regular season with an AFC South showdown in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. Kickoff is scheduled for noon CT.
