DeMeco Ryans, C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. were all clear in their messaging Monday as players cleaned out their lockers and prepared for exit meetings with the coaching staff.
After a second consecutive loss in the AFC’s divisional round, the standard is expected to rise in Houston. And anyone not on board with that won’t return in 2025.
“For me, it’s a good year, but not good enough in my mind,” Ryans said. “For me, it’s how do we take the organization to new heights. So I’m looking to all areas to improve our football team.”
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Whether to bring back certain free agents or move in another direction is part of that process.
The Texans have 25 pending free agents. Some will return and others won’t.
Here’s a look at the top 20:
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver
The Texans made a huge splash in the 2024 offseason when they traded for Diggs and restructured his deal to just one year. It set up a contract campaign for the All-Pro receiver as he prepared to hit free agency for the first time in his 10-year career.
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Unfortunately for Diggs and Houston, he never could show what he was fully worth.
Diggs tore his right ACL on Oct. 27, ending what could be his lone season with the Texans after just eight games. He had a big impact when on the field, catching 47 balls for 496 yards and four total touchdowns as Houston went 6-2. He also had a big impact off it as he was a team captain and teammates raved about his leadership.
Diggs figured to be one of the most sought-after free agents this offseason, commanding top dollar alongside Cincinnati Bengals receiver Tee Higgins. A knee injury for the 31-year-old might change that.
Receiver will be a huge need for the Texans this offseason with Diggs a free agent and Tank Dell’s 2025 in question. They can tie up one of those loose ends by bringing Diggs back. The receiver floated his desire to return back in December, and his teammates vouched for it Monday. Re-signing Diggs, or acquiring someone of his caliber, should be a top offseason priority for Houston.
Elizabeth Conley/Staff Photographer
Robert Woods, wide receiver
Woods, 33, who finished out the two-year contract he signed with the Texans in 2023, told the Chronicle he plans to continue playing as long as he can.
Whether that remains with the Texans is uncertain.
Woods, a two-time 1,000-yard receiver, was used mostly as a blocker and as a punt returner this season, which he’s done only sparingly throughout his 12-year career. He was effective at it, too, averaging 9.6 yards per return.
Woods, who was also one of the team’s vocal leaders, did whatever was needed from him. However, he finished the year with a career-low 20 catches for 203 yards.
While Woods would like to return, that likely depends on Houston and what the staff envisions for him.
Neville Hewitt, linebacker
Hewitt, 31, first signed with the Texans in 2021, has been one of their leaders and best players on special teams. He had many big moments in 2024, including his interception against the Packers, and his RKO-like suplex against the Bills.
But Hewitt has also long desired a chance to become a starter. In Houston, with Azeez Al-Shaair as the middle linebacker of the future, that wouldn’t happen.
In 17 games this season, Hewitt finished with 31 tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception. Hewitt could return if he’s unable to find what he’s looking for elsewhere.
Dare Ogunbowale, running back
Ogunbowale is another player who has been critical to the special teams unit. An undrafted player, he signed with Houston in 2022 and has been here ever since.
The Texans didn’t need his emergency kicking services this season as they did in 2023. But he still made big plays when needed.
His 35-yard run on a punt fake against the Miami Dolphins, was critical in helping Houston win that Dec. 15 game. He also made plays in the passing game this season, catching 19 passes for 198 yards and touchdown. His best game was his six-catch, 57-yard performance against the Bills.
There’s room for him on Houston’s roster given his importance and versatility.
Mario Edwards, defensive tackle
Edwards, 30, came to the Texans as a player looking to fit into the rotation and earned his spot as a starter.
He missed four games when he was suspended for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, but was still an important piece in getting after the passer.
Edwards finished the regular season with 31 tackles and three sacks, 2½ in the final three games. The Texans like what he brought and could bring him back on an affordable deal.
But it’s also likely he could go elsewhere.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafalo reported that Texans assistant defensive line coach Nate Ollie was interviewing with the Falcons for their defensive line coach position. If he gets the job there, Edwards could be an addition for the Falcons.
Foley Fatukasi, defensive tackle
The Texans opted to go cheaper in their defensive interior in 2024. They let Sheldon Rankins walk for big money and traded an expensive Maliek Collins in favor of one-year deals for Fatukasi and Edwards and a two-year deal for Tim Settle Jr. The early play of Fatukasi helped justify that decision.
The seventh-year pro started the Texans’ first 10 games and was one of the team’s most formidable rush defenders, picking up 23 tackles and 18 stops. Fatukasi had to battle injuries to stay on the field for those and missed the majority of the final seven regular-season games.
His impact was felt upon returning in the playoffs as Houston held the Los Angeles Chargers to just 50 rushing yards in the wild-card win. DeMeco Ryans said later that Fatukasi “was the reason why we played well in the run game.”
Fatukasi will be 30 by the start of the 2025 season and his durability is a question. But he proved his value when on the field. The Texans should re-sign Fatukasi this offseason.
Eric Murray, safety
Murray, 31, had one of his better seasons. He had a career-high 10 pass deflections along with 75 tackles, which was the second-most he’s had in a season.
It wasn’t all perfect. He gave up a few touchdowns. But he wasn’t brought to Houston to be a starter, yet he was counted on when the Texans needed him.
His biggest play was his pick-six in the Texans’ 32-12 win over the Chargers in the wild-card round, which basically sealed the game. Murray wants to return. If they do bring him back, it’s possible he could compete for a starting spot next season with Jimmie Ward, opposite of Calen Bullock.
Derek Barnett, defensive end
The backup defensive end was an unlikely feature on the season’s highlight reel. Barnett twice forced fumbles that he recovered and returned for touchdowns, making him the 12th defensive lineman in NFL history to score on two fumble returns in a season.
Barnett was also a positive force beyond the two touchdowns. His five sacks were his most since 2020 despite his playing time slipping. Barnett played little in the playoffs but provided necessary depth during the season when Anderson went down.
The 28-year-old was a free agent last year after the Texans claimed him off waivers and opted to return. Barnett’s flair for the spectacular and production off the bench could warrant the Texans to try and bring him back again. But it’s likely he could look for an opportunity to compete for more playing time and maybe a starting role elsewhere.
Kris Boyd, cornerback
Boyd, who plays special teams, became known for his penalty and famous push of coordinator Frank Ross during the playoff loss to Kansas City. But that likely will have little bearing on whether the Texans re-sign him next season.
Ryans said Monday that it was his perspective that Boyd was too fired up and thought he had made a play. He called the narrative that Boyd pushed Ross out of anger “false.”
Boyd could return on a team-friendly deal and compete for a spot in training camp, given his enthusiasm for playing special teams.
M.J. Stewart, safety
Stewart, a veteran, primarily plays special teams. When the Texans punt, it’s Stewart who is making the checks at the line of scrimmage and deciding whether to go for the fake or check out of it. He had 12 tackles.
Stewart is a team player, and it’s likely he could return on a one-year deal.
Kurt Hinish, defensive tackle
Hinish began the season on injured reserve and returned after the team dealt with a few injuries at the position. But he was a healthy scratch in both playoff games. It’s possible he could return to compete for a roster spot in training camp.
Devin White, linebacker
Houston signed the former Pro Bowler in October when linebackers Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o and Christian Harris were out with injuries. White’s speed immediately showed as he was used to blitz from the second level, aiding an already formidable pass rush. But the six-year veteran was phased out as the Texans got healthy at the position, not playing in three of their final four regular-season games. White was inactive for the two playoff games and likely won’t return.
Kendrick Green, guard
After serving as the Texans’ starting left guard before an injury in 2023, Green was pushed down the depth chart into a backup role. That’s likely not a good sign given the problems Houston had at the position this season. Green filled in for an injured Shaq Mason at right guard against the Chiefs in the regular season and started there the next week against the Ravens but was relegated afterward. He was inactive for the divisional playoffs and likely won’t return.
Myles Bryant, defensive back
Bryant got his opportunity late in the season and started in the Texans’ two playoff games at nickel corner after Jalen Pitre went out. He had three pass deflections in those games and seven tackles.
He could return to compete for a backup spot in training camp or he could look for another starting opportunity on another team.
Jake Hansen, linebacker
Hansen always seems to make the roster each year. He played in 16 games, mostly on special teams, and made two starts at linebacker, including one where he had seven tackles. He could return on a team friendly deal.
Irv Smith Jr., tight end
The Texans signed Smith to the practice squad after they lost Brevin Jordan to a torn ACL in September. Smith was elevated to the active roster when Teagan Quitoriano was placed on injured reserve, then signed after Cade Stover had his appendectomy. With Dalton Schultz, Jordan, Stover and Quitoriano back in 2025, it’s unlikely for Smith to return.
Jerry Hughes, defensive end
After being an NFL ironman for his first 12 seasons, injuries caught up with Hughes in 2024. The 36-year-old’s seven games played were the least of his career after going on injured reserve with a hip injury in October. Nicknamed “Unc” as the elder statesman of Houston’s defensive line, the Sugar Land native served mostly a leadership role as his snaps dwindled and posted career lows across the board. Hughes will likely depart this offseason.
Jeff Okudah, cornerback
After suffering a quad injury in the opener, Okudah missed the next nine weeks. He played five more games until he suffered a concussion in practice before the regular-season finale.
Okudah was cleared and active for the playoffs but he only played on special teams, having lost his spot.
Okudah, the 2020 No. 3 overall pick is still young at 25 and can contribute. But given what happened this season, he likely won’t return unless it’s on a cheap deal.
Jon Weeks, long snapper
Unless Weeks plans to retire, which he has not indicated, he’s likely returning. Weeks, 38, is the Texans’ longest tenured player and doesn’t make mistakes for a special team unit that is among the best in the NFL.
Brett Coomer/Staff photographer
Case Keenum, quarterback
Keenum, 36, missed the entire 2024 season with a foot injury he suffered in the final preseason game. Keenum started two games for the Texans last year and went 1-1. He helped C.J. Stroud a lot in the latter’s rookie season. But with more teams keeping only two quarterbacks on the roster, and Davis Mills signing a one-year extension at midseason, Keenum likely would not return next year.
