Tag: Texans football 2025

Texans sign DE Kingsley Jonathan to reserve-future deal

The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with former Buffalo Bills defensive Kingsley Jonathan to a reserve-future deal.

There’s a new member joining the Houston Texans’ offseason roster.

The Texans have agreed to terms with former Buffalo Bills defensive end Kingsley Jonathan to a reserve-future deal. Jonathan, who started three seasons at Syracuse, went undrafted and signed with the Bills last offseason.

He’s a former top overall pick in the Canadian Football League draft by the Montreal Alouettes. Jonathan has played for the Chicago Bears where he racked up 10 tackles, including two for losses.

With the Orange, Jonathan finished his college career at 101 tackles, 21 1/2 for losses, 15 sacks, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.

The Texans, who finished 11-8 following a second AFC South division title under C.J. Stroud, own the No. 25 overall pick in the upcoming draft.

Texans promote Cole Popovich to offensive line coach

Cole Popovich is sticking around with the Houston Texans.

Cole Popovich is sticking around the Houston Texans.

The Texans are promoting Popovich to run game coordinator and head offensive line coach from assistant offensive line coach, according to multiple reports. 

Popovich was set to become a free agent on an expiring contract. After Chris Strausser was fired, Popovich was rumored to be open for the position, but he also had other offers on the market.

When the Texans hired Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nic Caley, there was reason for promise and potential of a reunion. Caley and Popovich previously worked together on the Super Bowl-winning staffs with the New England Patriots under coach Bill Belichick.

Popovich was essential in helping with the run game after the Texans traded for Joe Mixon, who rushed for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

He previously coached at Minot State as an offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator and previously at Utah State, Fresno City College and Los Angeles Valley College.

Texans Wire Senior Bowl Q&A: Is Louisville’s Quincy Riley the top DB?

Texans Wire recently spoke with Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley about his time at the 2025 Senior Bowl.

Senior Bowl has come and gone down in Mobile, Ala., which featured a strong group of defensive backs and none may have performed better than Lousiville’s Quincy Riley.

Riley was named the National Team’s top cornerback as voted on by the offensive players and had a standout week at practice that featured sticky coverage and frequently finding his way to the football.

He projects as a cornerback that could make a difference in the nickel position or on the perimeter at the next level.

Texans Wire had the opportunity to speak to Riley after a dominant day of practice on Wednesday afternoon and what he plans to bring to the NFL next season.

Texans Wire: Quincy, you were all over the place today. Did you feel about your practice?

Quincy Riley: “I feel good about it. It was just fun being out here competing. I let one ball get away from me, but also I’m not used to doing that, like dropping the ball. So I got down on  myself at one point and I had to bounce back the next play and just keep working.”

TW: Who are your favorite defensive backs to watch when you’re studying and trying to get ready for the games?

Riley: “I like watching [Browns] Denzel Ward and [Packers] Jaire Alexander, those are my top two right now.”

TW: When watching your film this draft season, as we work towards April, what is a a game or a play that you’re really proud of from this past season?

Riley: “I’ll say, there was one play I was in the slot as the nickel corner and they ran an end-around and I came off the block and made a tackle in the backfield for a loss. I feel like this play is something that you know most people don’t know about me that I tackle.”

TW: Where are you looking to play? Outside? Inside. What kind of corner do you see yourself being?

Riley: “Wherever, wherever I can play at first on the field, I’m gonna play all of it.”

TW: Have you met with the Houston Texans this week?

Riley: “Yes, I met with the Houston Texans this week.”

Texans expected to interview Green Bay Packers’ Adam Stenavich for OC opening

The Houston Texans can add another name to the group in their offensive coordinator search with Adam Stenavich.

Another day, another interview.

According to KPRC2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans plan to interview Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich on Saturday afternoon to replace Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator.

Stenavich, 41, also interviewed earlier this week for Seattle’s offensive coordinator opening, which went to Klint Kubiak.

Green Bay is willing to let Stenavich interview for the position because of his role in the NFC North offense. The third-year OC doesn’t call the plays for the Packers but works closely with coach Matt LaFleur in building out game plans.

He also has a strong rapport with key offensive players like quarterback Jordan Love and Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs.

Last season, Green Bay finished eighth in scoring, averaging 27.1 points per game. It ranked fifth in total offense, fifth in rushing and 12th in passing. Jacobs, who inked a four-year deal in the offseason, rushed for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 4.4 yards per attempt and 78.2 yards per game.

Before taking over as the offensive coordinator Stenavich worked on staff as the offensive line coach and run game coordinator.

Stenavich becomes the eighth candidate on an interview list that includes internal candidates Jerrod Johnson, Texans and senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor.

External candidates include Syracuse offensive coordinator Jeff Nixon, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis, and Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach and passing game coordinator Nick Caley, Minnesota Vikings assistant offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Washington Commanders passing-game coordinator Brian Johnson.

The Texans are expected to make a hire sometime next week before the Super Bowl.

Senior Bowl Q&A: Toledo defensive tackle Darius Alexander

Texans Wire spoke with Toldeo defensive lineman Darius Alexander at the Senior Bowl, who met with the Texans during his time in Mobile, Ala.

It’s no secret that the Houston Texans need reinforcements along the interior of their defensive line in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.

Fortunately, this group offers a wealth of talent and a good portion is on display in front of Texans evaluators at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala.

Darius Alexander played for five years at Toledo and plans to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Quinyon Mitchell as the next rising Rocket to make an instant impact at the NFL level.

The senior defensive tackle finished his 2024 campaign with 40 total tackles, eight tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks while making a difference as an interior pass-rusher.

Texans Wire was able to speak with Alexander and he confirmed that he met with the Texans, plus his college journey and expectations for the pro level.

Texans Wire: What brought you to the Senior Bowl?

Darius Alexander: “Really, Jim Nagy brought us to the Senior Bowl, but more than that, my game. My game, to show that I can play at the top level and that I can compete with these guys here. That’s why I’m here.

Everyone’s having a great time, everyone’s bonding, just getting to know each other, getting to feel for each other’s game. We just respect each other and are having fun. That’s what we’re doing right now.”

TW: How have you felt about your experience here so far?

Alexander: “I feel like it’s been going wonderfully, you know, just getting out there with new guys that you’ve never played with before. Understanding how they play and then they understand how you play and also the O-Line, new guys playing with each other. So just going out there to watch them guys compete against us and watch how they try and work together. It’s been great. As far as being here the first day as a proud it’s been wonderful. I got family that’s from here in Alabama, so just to come down here and to put on and just have fun and just walk around and be here. I’m loving it, so enjoying it.”

TW: What kind of player and person is your future NFL team getting?

Alexander: “I mean, for one, they’re going to have a quiet guy for sure. I talk once I get familiar with guys, things like that. For the most part, I keep things to myself, but they’re going to get a hard worker who keeps his head down. I motivate myself to work hard and I think that’s what my teammates would be getting.”

TW: What kind of role do you see yourself playing on an NFL defense?

Alexander: “I like to play everywhere on the defensive line, but for me, I like to be a three-technique defensive tackle. I just want to be a penetrator and make the defensive coach happy.”

TW: What was your favorite play from this past season?

Alexander: “I’ll probably say the pick versus Pittsburgh. I’ll say that for. That was a fun interception for me, just to catch that and score. My defensive coordinator believed in me to drop me coverage and make a play. So I think that’s one of the plays for sure.”

TW: Did you talk to Texans and how would it be to play for them?

Alexander: “If I’m not mistaken, I have, I think I have for sure. That went good. That’s a great defense. I love the players. You got Danielle Hunter, got Will Anderson on the other side so I think just me coming in to be a good 3-tech for those guys would be fun for sure.”

Texans Wire Senior Bowl Q&A: Georgia Tech TE Jackson Hawes

Texans Wire had the chance to sit down with Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes during his week at the Senior Bowl.

Senior Bowl week is underway in Mobile, Ala., as the NFL Draft cycle is set to begin.

The 2025 class is one of the strongest tied-in classes in recent years. It comes as no surprise that the Houston Texans are doing their homework on the available group of players at Hancock Whitney Stadium.

Georgia Tech tight end Jackson Hawes is coming off a strong senior campaign where he showed off his prowess as a blocker and finished with 16 receptions for 195 yards.

His presence at the Senior Bowl has been a huge opportunity to prove that he can offer more than just his ability as a blocker and to meet with several NFL coaching staffs.

Texans Wire had the chance to sit down with Hawes, who confirmed that he had met with the Texans, to discuss his college career and week at the Senior Bowl.

Texans Wire: Why did you decide to play in the Senior Bowl?

Jackson Hawes: “I mean, why not? You know, it’s a great opportunity going against the best of the best. I think Jim (Nagy) has done a really good job like with this event and there’s a reason everyone’s here, there’s a reason I’m here. We’re the best college football players in the nation going into this next step and why not man? It’s a great opportunity.”

TW: How has your experience been here this week?

Hawes: “I feel good. I feel like the install has been, you know, it’s been a lot obviously, but it’s been manageable. I feel like the coaches have done a really good job at not overwhelming us there because they know we got interviews and other stuff to prepare for. Prepare for. All the players are awesome, Just a bunch of different personalities from all over the country. It is so fun, it’s going by too fast.

You know, our coach brought us up at the end and was like, “I think we’re really becoming, to start to be a team.” You know I think you see stuff like that when when guys are, you know, bonding and come closer.”

TW: What kind of player and person is your future NFL team getting?

Hawes: “I’m just a guy that’s going to walk into any room with the most positive mindset ever. You know, I’m a guy who is really confident. I’m a guy that really likes to win, who knows what it takes, you know, at Yale and at Georgia Tech? I’m going to look to do whatever I can and inspire my teammates to make that happen.”

TW: What is a play from your 2024 season that you’re excited to show NFL evaluators?

Hawes: “I guess the first one that comes to mind is I had like a 41-yard seem-read against Louisville late in the game. We were down, it was like 2 two-minute offense and I had tweaked my ankle, you know, a couple of plays before and decided to stay into the game. I guess, not to be a braggart or anything, but that’s a testament to my toughness and my willingness to compete for my team. And you know, I was out for a couple weeks after that, but I’m glad I stayed in because it gave me the opportunity to show a big play.”

TW: Have you met with the Houston Texans this week?                                                                                           

Hawes: I have, that’s one of my favorite teams I’ve met with so far. I guess I won’t go into too much detail of course, but they were just totally enthusiastic about me. You know, they were just totally into it and they really matched my energy I felt like.

TW: What would it be like to play if a quarterback like C.J. Stroud?

Hawes: “I would love it. Yeah, I think CJ is awesome. He does a really good job. I think he’s really inspirational and really motivational towards his guys. Him being so young and being able to do all that and rally guys around him and have success in the playoffs is really cool to see. You know, why wouldn’t anyone want to play for him.”

Texans bolster defensive line in NFL.com’s latest mock draft

Could this defensive tackle land with the Houston Texans in the upcoming NFL Draft?

What direction do the Houston Texans go with their first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft?

Offensive line?

Defensive back?

Wide receiver?

According to NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks, shoring up the trenches for the long term should be a priority for the AFC South champions. In his latest mock, Houston lands Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant to pair with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. in the front seven.

DeMeco Ryans’ desire to overwhelm opponents with a deep and talented D-line rotation makes Grant a possibility here.

After helping the Wolverines secure a national championship berth in 2024, Grant returned to Ann Arbor as the anchor of the front seven. In 12 games, he totaled seven tackles for loss and three sacks. 

Listed as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 interior defensive lineman prospect, Grant is considered by many as the top three-tech and an ideal fit for Houston’s front seven.

Houston needs longevity up the middle next to Anderson and Hunter. Mario Edwards Jr. and Denico Autry were suspended for multiple games, with the former currently set to his free agency. Foley Fatukasi has missed three games with a foot injury and is also on a one-year contract. 

Texans lands All-American OT in CBS Sports latest mock draft

The Houston Texans could shore up their offensive line by bringing in a familiar face from the Lone Star State.

Right tackle or left guard?

Left guard or right tackle?

That seems to be the consensus two positions in play for the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft by most pundits when on the clock at pick No. 25.

Overall, the ideal option would be to target a prospect who can thrive in both roles from the start. CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso has Houston doing just that with the addition of Texas All-American offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.

” The Texans simply need more offensive line talent up front to better protect C.J. Stroud,” Trappasso wrote. “Kelvin Banks Jr. had a fantastic season in pass protection for the Longhorns.”

Banks has been a staple of the Longhorns’ run to the postseason in back-to-back years. A three-year starter and Houston native, the 6-foot-6 tackle allowed four sacks, four QB hits and 26 hurries in over 2,400 snaps played.

While the Texans would love Banks’ upside in pass protection, his run blocking could be a selling point. Houston has Pro Bowler Joe Mixon locked up for three seasons and plans to make him the focal runner of the offense.

Banks thrived in run blocking as the lead outside leverage man while protecting future NFL running backs Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks. Per Pro Football Focus metrics, he posted an 81.0 career run-blocking grade while in Austin.

Banks would instantly upgrade on paper Texans’ pass blocking from mediocre to at least average entering 2025. Some view Banks to be better suited at guard, so Houston could have a competition on where players line up on the right side next fall.

Houston, which fell short in a 24-13 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs, allowed eight sacks against C.J. Stroud. Something must change on the offensive line if the team plans on taking the next step forward.

Losing to Kansas City might not be too bad should Buffalo secure a win while the Texans land Banks as a consolation prize. 

C.J. Stroud’s former Ohio State teammate viewed as ‘pefect fit’ for Texans draft class

A reunion could be in the works for C.J. Stroud and his top receiver from Ohio State in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Who is the “perfect fit” for the Houston Texans in the upcoming NFL Draft?

No one is perfect in the eyes of the Texans. There’s always room for growth and development between a rookie and a 10-year veteran between practices and game reps.

Still, Pro Football Focus recently named one “perfect” fit for all 32 teams entering the 2025 draft cycle. By no surprise, especially given their relationship in Columbus, PFF believes reuniting C.J. Stroud with wide receiver Emeka Egbuka makes too much sense.

“With the long-term uncertainty around Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell, the best thing the Texans could do is give their talented young quarterback a reliable and effective second wide receiver to compliment Nico Collins,” The publication wrote. “Selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka gives the Texans a dangerous WR2 who not only makes the Texans’ offense harder to defend but also aids in C.J. Stroud‘s development.”

Since Stroud’s departure, Egbuka has transitioned into a solid No. 2 option behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and later Jeremiah Smith. That doesn’t mean he still can’t take over games and remain a constant force in the slot or outside.

Last season en route to winning a national title, Egbuka caught 81 passes for 1,011 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also averaged 98.2 yards per game and 6.8 catches per contest.

But during Stroud’s final season, Egbuka broke out in place of future first-round picks Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, helping the Buckeyes reach the College Football Playoff.

“In their last season playing together at Ohio State, Egbuka posted a 74-catch, 1,151-yard and 10-touchdown season,” PFF wrote.  “The pre-existing chemistry and history of production between Stroud and Egbuka would make a valued addition to the Texans offense and provide C.J. Stroud with a pass-catching weapon for the intermediate level (between 10-19 yards downfield), where the bulk of their yards and touchdowns came together.”

Houston must upgrade its interior offensive and defensive line, but given the value of Egbuka’s relationship with Stroud, adding a receiver early in the draft should be in play.

General manager Nick Caserio has also been known for his aggressive approach to targeting talent he covets. If Egbuka falls in the second round, don’t be surprised if the Texans trade up to end his draft-day tumble.

Texans’ 2025 opponents revealed: Who will Houston play next season?

Here’s who’s on the Houston Texans’ schedule for 2025 after another 10-win season.

With the season reaching its end on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium, the Houston Texans’ focus is built on bettering its roster for the 2025 campaign.

If all goes according to plan, the Texans will look to punch their ticket to a Super Bowl and a date at Levi Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.

Houston (11-8) knows its path back to the postseason and a third consecutive AFC South division title next fall. Unlike last year, there will be several usual suspects making a trip down to NRG Stadium next fall.

In addition to the six games in the AFC South, Houston will also play the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens again as conference champions.

Houston went 1-2 against the top three seeds, defeating the Bills in Week 5 while dropping back-to-back games on a short week to the Cheifs and Ravens.

Instead of facing off against the NFC North and AFC East, the Texans are paired with the NFC West and AFC West in the league’s rotation.

Houston will host Arizona, Denver, Las Vegas and San Francisco. They’ll travel to SoFi Stadium twice for matchups against the Chargers and Rams, while also returning to Arrowhead for the third time in five years.

To close out the schedule, the Texans will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, bringing their home total to nine games next season.

The Buccaneers also finished with a 10-7 record after clinching the NFC South.

This past season, Houston traveled to Arlington for a “Monday Night Football” bout with the Dallas Cowboys as the crosstown AFC-NFC matchup.

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