Tag: Houston Texans news

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.”

LOOK: Stefon Diggs dons Texans gear for the first time

The newest Houston Texan, Stefon Diggs, took to Instagram to show off him working out in Texans gear

With so much hype surrounding the Texans’ offseason, it’s no wonder why fans can’t wait for Week 1 to arrive. 

Everything for general manager Nick Caserio was predicated on building around C.J. Stroud while on a rookie deal. He upgraded the run game by trading for Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. He strengthened the pass rush with the additions of Azeez Al-Shaair and Danielle Hunter.

But Caserio went for the home run by targeting wide receiver Stefon Diggs from Buffalo. Most recently, the four-time Pro Bowl receiver donned his Texans gear in a workout video on his Instagram for the first time publicly. 

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Diggs has filled fans’ social media timelines with multiple workout videos in his short time in Houston. This is a positive sign that the Texans are getting the best version of the 30-year-old receiver.

His tenure with Buffalo ended unceremoniously, with media members constantly asking about his future.

Diggs’ off-the-field antics often overshadowed his All-Pro-caliber play. He missed the start of mandatory OTAs and publicly displayed his unhappiness with the offense after a divisional-round loss to the Chiefs.

Even in Diggs’ final hours with the team, he took shots at Bills quarterback Josh Allen. During an interaction on X, a fan said that Allen’s success doesn’t require an elite receiver like Diggs, to which he replied, “You sure?”

According to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, Buffalo allowed Diggs to seek a trade to any team except for Kansas City. Stroud, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year, connected Diggs connected throughout the offseason at different functions, including a celebrity softball game at Minute Maid Park.

The new AFC duo put social media ablaze with videos created in collaboration with popular content creator Sketch, who is from the Houston area. John Methcie III and Tank Dell were also seen.

Even with the energy seeming positive, the Texans’ front office isn’t taking any chances. Houston cleared the final three years of Diggs’ contract, moving the $3.5 million guaranteed up to this season. He’ll be an unrestricted free agent next offseason and, at 31 years old, looking to sign the final big-money deal of his career.

The move is similar to several the Patriots made when Caserio was in New England, like when the Patriots acquired Darrelle Revis after a failed stint in Tampa Bay.

Revis played on a one-year deal, finishing as a first-team All-Pro and Super Bowl champion. New England let him walk in free agency, and Revis declined shortly after re-signing with the New York Jets. 

There’s no telling what Diggs’ future holds after this season, but he should be highly motivated, and that’s a huge plus for the Texans because when Diggs is playing his best, he’s one of the league’s top receivers. 

He’s one of two receivers to record 100-plus catches in the last four seasons and has topped 1,000 yards in the last six. 

Ironically, Diggs’ first team helped make the deal possible. The Texans’ trade with the Vikings, which sent Houston’s first-round pick via Cleveland to Minnesota, netted them two second-round picks. 

Houston sent Minnesota’s 2025 second-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for Diggs and a pair of late-round selections. The Texans will be Diggs’ third team in the NFL. 

Arik Armstead claims Texans had trade in place

The Houston Texans interest in defensive tackle Arik Armstead was obvious, and the new Jacksonville Jaguar stated Houston nearly landed him

Before Arik Armstead signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he thought he’d be headed to the Houston Texans.

According to the longtime San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman, that thought was nearly a reality before a deal headed south at the final hour.

In a recent interview on the ‘Third and Long” podcast, Armstead said the Texans were “in talks” of acquiring him before his release early last month. Houston already had a deal in place to trade starting defensive tackle Maliek Collins and Armstead was supposed to be a part of the compensation. 

The trade fell through after deliberation between general manager Nick Caserio and John Lynch, ultimately leading to Armstead’s release. After that, the 30-year-old turned his sights to Buffalo, Jacksonville, and a few others. 

“I consider myself a big-game player, a big-time player in big games,” said Armstead. “I have a track record of that. The Jags have had a lot of good teams these past few years. They’ve gone to the playoffs.”

Signed to a three-year, $51 million deal, Armstead reunites with former 49ers GM Trent Baalke over former defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans. He plans on being the reckoning up the middle that gives Jacksonville the edge in the race for first place against C.J. Stroud and an improving offense. 

On paper, Armstead’s familiarity with Ryans’ defense made him an ideal replacement for Sheldon Rankins, who signed a two-year deal with Cincinnati after negotiations fell through.

Even after the trade was nixed, it was reported that Houston remained engaged with Armstead’s camp, though the two sides could agree on a fair compensation. ‘

Bringing in Armstead may have been part of an arms race within the division, simultaneously preventing the Texans from continually improving. Houston upgraded its front seven after finishing top-10 in run defense by adding defensive lineman Denico Autry and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir, along with four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter. 

The Texans still should be in the market for a more stable defensive tackle. Since Armstead’s signing, they’ve inked minor deals with Tim Settle and Mario Edwards Jr. for depth. The Texans also added former Jags starter Foley Fatukasi following his release before the start of free agency. 

Houston could use its first pick on finding a long-term three-tech, though names like Texas’ Byron Murphy and Illinois’ Johnny Newton will likely be off the board. Initially, mock drafts linked the two defensive linemen as plug-and-play options at pick No. 23, but the Texans have since traded the pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for pick No. 42 (second-round), pick No. 188 (sixth-round) and a 2025 second-round pick. 

Where do the Texans turn now? Several mocks, including NFL.com’s Chad Reuter, have Houston targeting Texas defensive tackle and reigning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year T’Vondre Sweat to the Texans with the 59th pick.

Houston’s roster construction rivals San Francisco’s, which ‘prioritized the defensive line during the early parts of their rebuild. Drafting Sweat would only add to the comparison and bring a nice blend of experience and youth to the defensive line.

Caserio pivoted several times throughout the offseason, and Armstead’s signing with Jacksonville is just one example.  

How does Stefon Diggs arrival impact Nico Collins with Texans?

The Houston Texans made the splash move of the offseason when they acquired Stefon Diggs, but what does the former All-Pro’s arrival mean for Nico Collins?

Entering last season, the Houston Texans’ receiving room had several question marks.

They had a few veteran targets like Dalton Schultz, Robert Woods, and Noah Brown, but Houston had to rely on young and unproven options such as Nico Collins and Tank Dell.

Fast forward a year and division title later, that lackluster receiving room looks to be one of the league’s more up-and-coming units after promising campaigns from Dell and Collins. 

On Wednesday, general manager Nick Caserio decided to swing by acquiring Buffalo Bills’ Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs in exchange for a 2025 second-round, only bolstering the receiving corps more for Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud.

While Diggs’ addition is welcomed, it does leave Collins’ status up in the air entering the final year of his rookie contract. And with Houston voiding the final three years of Diggs’ current contract, the duo could be playing as teammates, but also rivals for a long-term deal down at NRG Drive.

 

By trading for Diggs, Houston views him as a No. 1 option. Well, maybe 1A/1B since Collins’ breakout season deserves recognition. And while Diggs might be the hot name around the league, Collins proved to be the more consistent playmaker down the stretch.

Through the first nine games, Diggs was on pace for a career year with 70 catches for 834 yards and seven touchdowns. But after the firing of Ken Doresy, Diggs’ production took a dip. He never surpassed 100 yards and only caught one touchdown in the final games. 

Diggs, who will turn 31 in November, needed a fresh start. His final memory in Buffalo was dropping a deep ball from Josh Allen in the divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, eventually leading to speculation of his future in Orchard Park. 

Even before last year, there had been plenty of rumblings about Diggs’ dissatisfaction with his role. He missed the start of mandatory minicamp last season, and was frustrated with Allen in back-to-back playoff losses. 

Off-field (and somewhat on-field concerns) aside, there’s a reason why Houston was willing to cough up a mid-round pick for Diggs. When on-point, he remains one of the league’s more versatile receivers as a route-runner and target of depth. At one point, he was viewed as one of the league’s top vertical targets.

Will that be the same in Bobby Slowik’s offense? Regression seemed to set in last season as Diggs caught only six passes 20 or more yards down the field, tied for the fewest in a season while in Buffalo, according to Pro Football Focus. 

The good news is Diggs won’t need to be the main deep threat in Houston since Collins excelled in that category last season.  The former Michigan standout caught the largest percentage of deep ball targets of any receiver in the league last season at 68.4%, according to PFF. 

Diggs may be the number two receiver. Perhaps Houston views it that way, too, especially after voiding the final three years of his four-year, $104 million extension, thus making him a free agent next offseason. 

That’s not a concern. The league’s best offense usually features two standout targets instead of one. Last season, three of the four teams who made it to the championship had two receivers with over 68 receptions on 92-plus targets. 

One area the new Texan receiver will help in is against zone defenses. Diggs finished in the top 10 in targets and receptions against zone coverage, posting a 1.92 yards per route run, the 12th highest in the league.

Stroud dissected zone coverage in his rookie season and now gets one of the league’s best route runners who understands the intricacies of spacing between zone defenders. 

Conversely, teams can’t man up against Houston because Collins and Dell dice up one-on-one coverage. Collins finished second in the league with a 4.30 yards per route run, and Dell proved to be one of the best route runners throughout his rookie campaign.

The Texans freed up over $10 million last month by restructuring both Tytus Howard and Shaq Mason’s contracts. That money was used to acquire Diggs, but with his contract voided, it opens up Houston’s salary by over $20 million entering next offseason. 

Houston still could negotiate an extension for Collins before the start of the regular season, but Caserio may wait to play the long game. Collins, who became the third receiver in franchise history to total 1,200 receiving yards in a season, might also bet on himself to earn a much more substantial contract while stealing reps from Diggs.

Diggs’ arrival only strengthens Houston’s chances of returning to the postseason in Year 2 of the DeMeco Ryans’ era. After that, the Texans could risk losing both of their star receivers due to dominant seasons.

Texans’ offense is the 13th most-expensive in 2024

The Houston Texans have quietly built the league’s most expensive offensive line, leading to the 13th most expensive offense.

The Houston Texans offense was one of the biggest surprises in the league a year ago. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans helped turn the team around in one season. Houston went from picking near the top of the draft in 2023 to appearing in the AFC divisional round in early 2024.

With Stroud on his rookie deal, the time is now to surround him with talent. Houston made moves mostly to the defense, but they also traded for running back Joe Mixon. The Texans quickly extended the veteran back three years worth $27 million.

Houston’s offense accounts for $132.4 million in 2024, the 13th-highest in the league, according to Over the Cap. The Cleveland Browns offense cost $188 million, most in the league by $10 million. The Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys rank second in and third.

Unsurprisingly, teams with signal callers on second contracts rank highly. Conversely, franchises without a quarterback costing more than a rookie deal rank lower. Pittsburgh has the cheapest offense at $64.8 million.

The offensive line accounts for a large portion of the Texans’ offense’s expenses. Offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil is the highest-paid left tackle in the league, earning $25 million per season. The extension Tytus Howard signed before this past season made him the fifth-highest-paid right tackle at $18.7 million annually. 

Houston is also paying right guard Shaq Mason $11.7 million, the sixth highest at his position. The Texans offensive line is the most expensive in the NFL, according to Spotrac. 

Outside of the trade for Mixon, the Texans have yet to do much to the offense. Instead, they opted for continuity by resigning Dalton Schultz and Noah Brown. The two receiving options arrived from the Dallas Cowboys this past offseason as free agents and became consistent options for Stroud.

Houston has a top-10 earner per year at running back and tight end. Schultz signed a three-year deal worth $36 million before hitting the open market. The offense’s cost will increase when Nico Collins signs an extension worth $20 million-plus annually. 

Texans rank 15th in spending on defense after busy offseason

The Houston Texans defense ranks middle of the pack in 2024 after some high-profile signings and departures in free agency.

The Houston Texans have made some splash signings on the defensive side of the ball during free agency.

General manager Nick Caserio dealt out the largest guaranteed deal of his tenure to Danielle Hunter and brought in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on a deal worth $10 million a year. However, the Texans’ defense costs $107.7 million despite the marquee signings, the 15th highest in the league, according to Spotrac.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers top the list as both defenses cost over $160 million. The Green Bay Packers’ defense, worth $133 million, ranks third.

Houston underwent a massive change in 2023 with the arrival of head coach DeMeco Ryans. His defensive background showed in the team’s transactions. Houston signed veterans Sheldon Rankins and Jimmie Ward to bolster the defense. 

However, the Texans have found starting-caliber talent in the draft over the past few years. Four key starters from a year ago played on their rookie contracts: Derek Stingley and Jalen Pitre in the secondary, Christian Harris at linebacker and Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. 

Even with the league average price tag, Houston fielded a defense thank ranked in the upper half of the league. The Texans allowed the 11th-fewest points per game at 20.7 and the 14th-fewest yards.

Houston went 10-7, won the AFC South and reached the postseason for the first time since 2019. The defense had one of its best games in the wild-card round win over the Cleveland Browns. Ryans’ unit returned two interceptions for touchdowns in the 45-14 victory.

The defense will look different next season as several players found new homes in the offseason. Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman went to the Minnesota Vikings, Sheldon Rankins joined the Cincinnati Bengals, and the Texans dealt defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the 49ers.

Houston’s front four has three new faces to play alongside Anderson. Hunter took less money to play for his hometown team and Denico Autry stayed in the division to play inside the two-star pass rushers. The Texans also added Mario Edwards, Tim Settle and Foley Fatukasi.

Caserio is one of the league’s most active GMs, so the defense cap number may rise. Defensive tackle remains a question mark, and the secondary added plenty of parts between former 2020 first-round picks Jeff Okudah and C.J. Henderson.

The reliance on inexpensive talent on rookie deals was huge to the Texans’ success in 2023. We’ll see how that pans out in 2024.

NFL owners to vote on whether Cal McNair becomes Texans principal owner

Houston Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair could become the new principal owner of the team pending a vote by other NFL owners.

The Houston Texans could have a new owner this season, but one the team is also very familiar with.

NFL owners will vote on whether to approve Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair as the franchise’s principal owner at the owners meetings next week, according to Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan Alexander. He would replace his mother, Janice, who became the Texans’ principal owner in 2018 following the death of her husband and Cal’s father, Bob.

Cal McNair took over daily football operations after his father’s death and has represented the Texans at the owners meetings instead of Janice. Since Cal took over, Houston’s record is 31-51-1.

Robert Cary McNair Jr., one of Janice’s other sons, along with others involved, filed a motion in which they agreed to jointly drop a lawsuit that sought to have his mother declared incapacitated and have a legal guardian appointed. On Feb. 26, lawyers filed the motion to drop the lawsuit.

The expected vote on Tuesday doesn’t mean the team is available for purchase. The McNairs have no plans to sell the franchise, according to Alexander. 

Houston was awarded an expansion franchise in 1999, and its first season came in 2002. Bob McNair received permission from Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt to use the Texans name; the Chiefs franchise was founded as the Dallas Texans before it moved to Kansas City in 1963.

Texans WR Tank Dell ‘ahead of schedule’ in recovery

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell’s rookie year ended prematurely, but he’s working his back ahead of his sophomore campaign.

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell is trending towards a return sooner rather than later.

Picture and video clips emerged of Dell running and cutting as he works back from a broken fibula he sustained during the 2023 season. His private coach, Delfonte Diamond, said Dell is, ‘Way ahead of schedule. Hasn’t missed a beat. He’ll be more than ready when OTA’s jump off,” according to KPRC’s 2 Aaron Wilson. 

Dell, 24, was off to a historic start in his rookie season before he suffered a broken fibula in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos. He finished his rookie year with 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns. 

In his past four games, Dell had 369 receiving yards on 25 catches and five touchdowns. Over a 17-game span, his final four appearances averaged 106 receptions, 1,568 receiving yards and 21 touchdowns.

He caught the game-winning touchdown in the Texans’ Week 9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Dell played his college football at the University of Houston, becoming one of the most successful receivers in the nation. The Texans took him in the third round of the 2023 and he quickly built a strong rapport with quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Houston’s offense struggled to put up points with Dell. The Texans averaged six points less than their average without him the line-up. The Texans re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz and receiver Noah Brown to keep Stroud’s top pass-catchers together alongside Nico Collins. Houston discussed trading for newly acquired Chicago Bears receiver Keenan Allen and may still add to the position group throughout the offseason. 

Dell’s trainer pointed to a return before the start of organized team activities, which begin in May. That would put Dell at around six months out from his injury. He missed one game with a concussion in Week 6.

“I’m giving all the props to our training and strength staff,” Dell said to Texans TV. “They’ve been getting me on the right road, and I feel like I’m back and ready. I’m waiting for the lights to shine again and for us to go out there as a team and complete the mission.”

Texans offseason conditioning begins on April 15 at the NRG Center, where Dell has been spending the bulk of his offseason while recovering. 

Texans’ Hannah McNair latest inductee to Texas Women’s Hall of Fame

Houston Texans foundation vice president Hannah McNair to be inducted into Texas Women’s Hall of Fame.

The Houston Texans announced that foundation vice president Hannah McNair is being inducted into the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame on Friday night. McNair has been the leader of the Texans’ philanthropic efforts and since 2002 the foundation has raised over $45.3 million.

McNair works with her husband, Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair, as a key advisor in the Texans organization. The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce will honor McNair.

The Texas Women’s Hall of Fame was established in 1984, members include business entrepreneur Kendra Scott, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and former First Lady Laura Bush. Honorees must be either native Texans or residents of Texas at the time of the nomination.

Honorees’ accomplishments are featured at the Texas Women’s Hall of Fame Museum inside the Blagg-Huey Library on the campus of Texas Woman’s University in Denton.

McNair is a board member for DePelchin Children’s Center and Project 88 Foundation. She serves on the executive committee for the Lady Texans, Celebration of Reading Committee, Ladies for Literacy Guild, Texas Children’s Hospital Leadership Council and Mentor for Houston Independent School District.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith approves of Texans’ Joe Mixon trade

The Houston Texans fans aren’t the only ones pleased about the Joe Mixon trade, as ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith approves.

While the Houston Texans didn’t land one of the top free-agent running backs, general manager Nick Caserio found an alternative in Joe Mixon, formerly of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Houston traded for the running back instead of waiting for Cincinnati to release him, which was previously reported as his fate after the Bengals signed Zack Moss.

Texans fans aren’t the only ones fond of the move. ESPN personality and “First Take” host Stephen A. Smith sounded excited about Mixon playing with quarterback C.J. Stroud in Houston.

“I like Joe Mixon a lot,” Smith said. “The way C.J. Stroud is looking in Houston, along with the weapons that I’m expecting them to have available to them — I like Mixon in Houston.”

Smith highlighted Mixon’s production and ability to stay on the field. The 27-year-old back rushed for more than 1,000 yards four times in his seven-year career, including two of the past three seasons. Mixon also appeared in 47 of 51 games in the past three years.

Mixon joins 2022 fourth-round pick Dameon Pierce in the backfield and will replace Devin Singletary, who led the team in rushing yards a year ago before he agreed to a deal with the New York Giants. 

Pierce experienced a sophomore slump, but he is a solid back who flashed potential in his rookie season when he ran 939 yards in 13 games.

“You have nice depth in Houston,” Shannon Sharpe added. “You have Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce—two guys who can run the ball.”

The move reunites Mixon with his former offensive coordinator, Bill Lazor, who works as a senior offensive analyst for the Texans. Lazor was the Bengals’ offensive coordinator in 2017 and 2018 — Mixon’s first two years in the NFL. He ran for 1,794 yards and 12 touchdowns and added 73 receptions and 583 yards during those two seasons.

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and Bengals head coach Zac Taylor never appeared on the same staff but come from the same coaching tree as well: Slowik learned under San Francisco 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan, and Taylor served under Los Angeles Rams coach Sean McVay. 

Given the similar schemes, Mixon should be familiar with the offense. Houston hopes the move sparks its rushing offense, which ranked in the bottom-10 in yards per carry and rushing touchdowns. Improved health along the offensive line and the addition of Mixon should boost those numbers.

The Texans’ backs performed well a year ago in the fumble department. Houston coughed up the ball 17 times, the eighth-fewest in the league. Mixon has not fumbled in the past two seasons despite carrying the ball 467 times and has just six fumbles in his seven-year career.