Much has been made of the Texans moves during the 2025 offseason. You can feel the fanbases’ disappointment and disgust with the lack of free agency additions, willingness to sign big name players, and even the decisions to trade away certain players. It’s time for the yearly fun, but meaningless tradition of grading each and every move the Texans have made so far this offseason. Buckle up, because class is in session.
Laremy Tunsil Trade to Washington Commanders: B-
This was a move that stunned the NFL world and Texans fans alike, me included. Tunsil has been a hot topic of conversation since the trade with Texans fans defending the move, and the national media absolutely torching the Texans for going through with this move. Knowing Tunsil had an expiration date as a Texan, I believe it was the right move in order to improve the overall culture of the offensive line room, and the offense as a whole. Houston didn’t get the return most fans would have wanted, but it was a necessary move to jumpstart the overhaul, and remodeling of the offensive line.
Christian Kirk Acquired Via Trade From Jacksonville: B+
The Wide Receiver room was in dire need of bodies and Nick Caserio got one in Christian Kirk. The price heavily favored Houston, as they only gave up a 7th round pick for Kirk, who was set to be released from Jacksonville’s roster. A player who can play in the slot, as well as move outside if asked to, is a huge get and can be a huge weapon offensively for Nick Caley’s new offense. Health is the only question here, and if Kirk can answer those who have questions about his ability to stay on the field, this move will go down as yet another Nick Caserio fleece.
Texans Trade G Kenyon Green to Philadelphia For S C.J Gardner Johnson: A+
Kenyon Green has been on the struggle bus since he became a Houston Texan. There was a good chance Green would not make the Week 1 roster and with the injury history piling up, his future with the Texans was very much in jeopardy. With Eric Murray signing in Jacksonville, and the injury and health concerns of Jimmie Ward, acquiring C.J Gardner Johnson from the Eagles was the perfect move to shore up the safety room. Not to mention the absolute juice, and junkyard dog mentality he can bring to this Texans defense. I believe this move is beneficial for both teams. The Texans add a secondary piece to their already talented room, and the Eagles get an offensive lineman who has struggled but will now be coached by one of the best offensive line coaches in the league.
G Laken Tomlinson Signs 1 year $4.25M Deal: C
After cutting Shaq Mason and dealing Kenyon Green, the Texans were in dire need of bodies, whether it be a potential starter or a depth piece. Tomlinson, a veteran guard will prove useful as a depth piece, for competition in camp as well as a mentor for whatever rookie player the Texans draft in April.
IDL Sheldon Rankins Signs 1 year $7M: B-
Rankins returns to the Houston Texans and can serve as a veteran rotational defensive tackle. He had 6 sacks for the Texans in 2023, and was a leader on defense for a very young 2023 squad. Any help on the inside to help free up Anderson Jr, and Hunter to tee off is a plus.
Pass Rusher Darrell Taylor Signs 1 year $5.25M: B+
Adding pass rush specialist Darrell Taylor, who had 9.5 sacks a couple years ago with Seattle can really improve the edge rusher depth for the Texans. He is a solid get who has produced in the past that can really thrive under the coaching of Demeco Ryans. The Texans get added depth to a position of strength here.
WR Braxton Berrios Signs 1 year $2M: B-
Another WR addition, Berrios will join Christian Kirk as the newest receivers on the team. Both hope to complement Nico Collins and help give C.J Stroud a 2nd and 3rd option to throw the ball to, something the Texans offense struggled with last season. At a price tag of only $2 million, if the Texans can get any type of solid production out of Berrios, it will be a plus. Also, welcome to Houston Alix Earle!
CB/ST Tremon Smith Signs 2 years $7.5M: B+
Smith, a key special teams contributor in Denver, rejoins the Houston Texans. Tremon Smith was a Houston Texan under special teams coach Frank Ross in 2021 and 2022, so he is very familiar with the staff here. He can serve as a consistent kick returner here in Houston, as well as possibly serve as a backup cornerback to improve the depth in the secondary.
In conclusion, the Texans free agency may have been disappoint to most, but I believe they added some depth in some position groups where it was needed and also made a few underrated moves to improve some strengths. While the offensive line moves and lack thereof left a bit to be desired, the draft is coming up and I think we can all expect for the Texans to prioritize that position in April. My final grade for the Texans offseason moves and trades is a B-.
