The Houston Texans are focusing on securing a contract extension for defensive end Will Anderson Jr. in the near future, aiming to make him one of the top-paid pass-rushers in the NFL, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Anderson, drafted third overall in 2023 from Alabama, has emerged as a standout player by earning Pro Bowl honors twice and the Defensive Rookie of the Year title within his first three NFL seasons.
At only 24 years old, Anderson has demonstrated impressive production over the past two years, accumulating 23 total sacks, including a career-high 12 sacks in 17 regular-season games during the 2025 campaign. His overall impact extends beyond sacks, with a personal best 54 total tackles (35 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback pressures, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a touchdown. His efforts played a pivotal role in the Texans leading the league in defense last season, and he is expected to be a highly valued asset in individual defensive player (IDP) fantasy leagues this upcoming year.
Ongoing Uncertainty Surrounds RB Joe Mixon’s Houston Future
The Texans face potential changes at running back as questions mount about Joe Mixon’s status with the club. Writer Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle reports that all signs suggest a possible parting between Mixon and the Texans this offseason. After rushing for over 1,000 yards with 11 touchdowns in 2024, Mixon missed the entire 2025 season due to a severe ankle and foot injury.
Mixon has reportedly not provided updates on his recovery since undergoing surgery, and Texans general manager Nick Caserio describes his availability as “day-to-day.” The 29-year-old is in the final year of a three-year contract signed in 2024, but the last season is not guaranteed. Cutting Mixon could free up approximately $8.5 million in salary cap space, aiding the Texans as they currently stand nearly $5 million over the cap. Meanwhile, Mixon’s fantasy appeal has diminished significantly, with no assurance he will be ready for the 2026 season’s start.
Texans Remain Noncommittal on Mixon’s Future After Surgery
General manager Nick Caserio confirmed to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports that no clear progress has been made regarding Joe Mixon’s recovery this offseason following surgery. Mixon, a two-time Pro Bowler, has one year left on his $25.5 million contract but faces uncertainty given the severity of his ankle and foot injuries.
Meanwhile, rookie Woody Marks assumed the lead back responsibilities during Mixon’s absence in 2025. With free agents Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale potentially departing, the Texans are expected to explore options to strengthen their running back depth through free agency and the NFL draft. Although Mixon has shown versatility during his career, his future contributions remain in question, causing his fantasy value to drop.
C.J. Stroud Confirmed as Texans’ Starting Quarterback for 2026
Addressing trade rumors, Texans general manager Nick Caserio dismissed any speculation of moving quarterback C.J. Stroud, labeling such talk “moronic,” as reported by Jonathan M. Alexander. Caserio reaffirmed that Stroud will be the returning starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
Stroud, the second overall pick in the 2023 draft from Ohio State, was a Pro Bowler during his rookie season but has experienced a decline over the past two years. In 2025, he completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions in 14 games, ranking 21st in overall fantasy points among quarterbacks. His playoff performance was less impressive, throwing five interceptions over two games and losing two fumbles. Despite his setbacks, Stroud achieved a career-high in completion percentage last season and remains young enough to rebound. However, fantasy players should approach him cautiously as a QB1 for 2026.
Nico Collins’ Injury History Clouds Fantasy Potential Despite Talent
Wide receiver Nico Collins endured another injury-affected season in 2025 but still produced strong statistics with 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns on 120 targets over 15 games. At 26 years old, Collins is regarded as one of the franchise’s most talented receivers but has struggled to compile a fully healthy season, missing 19 games throughout his five-year career.
Collins remains Houston’s clear top receiving option, having posted three consecutive seasons with at least 68 catches, over 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns despite limited availability. Should he manage to stay healthy and the team’s passing attack improve marginally, he could evolve into an elite fantasy wideout. For now, he ranks as a low-end WR1 and retains solid value in dynasty leagues entering his late twenties.
Dalton Schultz Continues Steady Improvement as Texans’ Tight End
Veteran tight end Dalton Schultz quietly posted career-best numbers in 2025 despite limited media attention. He recorded 82 receptions on 106 targets for 777 yards and three touchdowns, marking his highest single-season totals. Schultz finished as a top-12 tight end for the second time in three years and fifth time in six seasons, showing consistent productivity regardless of quarterback struggles.
At 29, Schultz remains under contract with Houston for 2026 and is expected to maintain solid contributions next year. While he does not generate flashy headlines, Schultz offers veteran stability and is a reliable fantasy asset, especially in dynasty leagues as a fringe top-12 tight end.
Nick Chubb’s Role Diminishes as Texans’ Season Progresses
Running back Nick Chubb appears to be nearing the end of his productive NFL journey after a disappointing season with Houston. The former Cleveland back, recovering from ACL and MCL injuries sustained in 2023, began 2025 as the Texans’ primary running back but was soon overtaken by rookie Woody Marks.
Chubb finished the campaign with modest totals: 506 rushing yards and three touchdowns, ranking 54th among running backs in point-per-reception (PPR) formats. His 5.9 points per game was a new career low, suggesting he is unlikely to be a significant fantasy contributor moving forward. Chubb enters free agency and is expected to sign a backup role elsewhere, making him a difficult trade target in dynasty leagues and not a recommended buy.
C.J. Stroud Seeks to Recover Rookie-Season Form After Down Years
Quarterback C.J. Stroud’s sophomore and junior NFL years have seen a gradual decline from his promising rookie start. In 2025, he completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,014 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions over 14 games, and struggled notably in the playoffs, throwing four interceptions and recording a 42.6% completion rate during the Texans’ loss to the New England Patriots.
Stroud’s fantasy rankings dropped from QB11 as a rookie to QB21 last season. The Texans are expected to exercise his fifth-year option, indicating faith in his development, but he must regain his initial performance level to solidify his status as the franchise quarterback. Fortunately, the team’s young receiving corps, including Nico Collins, Dalton Schultz, Jaylin Noel, Jayden Higgins, and the returning Tank Dell, provide him with ample weapons. Dynasty league managers should retain Stroud but remain cautious on investing heavily.
Rookie Woody Marks Shows Promise as Texans’ Lead Back Candidate
Woody Marks surprised many by stepping up as a primary running back in his rookie year. Taking over from Nick Chubb, Marks finished with 703 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards, and five total touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts). A key period included a four-week stretch late in the season where he averaged 21 touches per game, though his yards per carry declined to a suboptimal 3.6 as the year closed.
With the Texans positioned as a competitive team for the foreseeable future, efforts to bolster the running back group are likely to continue, potentially adding a reliable complementary back to Marks. Such a change could stabilize his role and afford him a solid target share in the passing game. Fantasy managers should view Marks as a hold for now, with low-end RB2/top-36 potential for the upcoming season.
Jaylin Noel Poised to Expand Role After Rookie Year
Wide receiver Jaylin Noel’s first NFL season was subdued, finishing seventh on the Texans in targets and failing to register a catch in two playoff games. He did exhibit flashes during a two-week stretch, gaining 140 combined yards against the Seahawks and 49ers. However, his involvement waned after Christian Kirk returned from injury to reclaim three-receiver set duties.
At 23 years old and a 2025 third-round draft pick, Noel is currently overlooked in dynasty drafts. With Kirk’s contract expiring, Noel has a strong chance to resume the primary slot receiver role, positioning him as a potentially undervalued asset heading into 2026.
Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair Recovering From Thumb Surgery
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2025, underwent successful thumb surgery during the offseason. As reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports, Al-Shaair is expected to make a full recovery, though he may not be fully ready when offseason workouts begin.
At 28 years old, Al-Shaair posted an impressive 103 tackles (48 solo), two interceptions, nine pass breakups, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery last season. His consistent tackling and coverage skills contributed significantly to Houston’s top-ranked defense, making him a valuable IDP fantasy option heading into the final year of his current deal.
