The Houston Texans have decided to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward following complications related to foot surgery, according to a league source who spoke with Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports. Ward, who did not participate in any games during the 2025 season due to being on the Physically Unable to Perform list, was set to earn a $2.75 million base salary in 2026. The move will save the Texans approximately $750,000 in salary cap space for the upcoming season. At 34 years old, Ward is approaching the twilight of his career and is unlikely to attract significant interest in the free-agent market this offseason.
Originally drafted 30th overall in 2014 by the San Francisco 49ers out of Northern Illinois, Ward has appeared in only 20 games for Houston since joining the team in 2023. During that span, he compiled 98 tackles, including 65 solo stops, five tackles for loss, three interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble. The Texans’ decision to cut Ward reflects a combination of his injury history, age, and limited recent playing time.
Houston Texans Fantasy Football Updates: Roster Changes and Player Movements
Trade Sends Juice Scruggs to Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions acquired offensive guard Juice Scruggs from the Houston Texans on Monday, along with a fourth-round and a seventh-round pick, in exchange for running back David Montgomery. This information was confirmed by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Scruggs, 26, was selected 62nd overall in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Penn State. In 2025, he appeared in a career-high 17 games but only started once and struggled with consistency on the Texans’ offensive line. The Lions are expected to use Scruggs as a depth player on their offensive line as he enters his fourth NFL season. Over three seasons in Houston, Scruggs started 20 of 37 games played.
Running Back Woody Marks Faces Increased Competition in Houston’s Backfield
Houston Texans running back Woody Marks saw his standing decline after the team acquired David Montgomery from the Detroit Lions, a situation reported earlier this week. While it remains unclear how Houston will distribute touches between Marks and Montgomery, early indications suggest Montgomery may become the lead back. Last season, Montgomery posted 908 yards from scrimmage and scored eight touchdowns, finishing as the RB27 in PPR scoring. He also averaged a strong 4.53 yards per carry, outpacing Marks’ 3.59 yards per carry in his 2025 rookie campaign.
Marks, a USC alumnus, accumulated 911 yards from scrimmage with two rushing and three receiving touchdowns last season despite opportunities created by injuries to Joe Mixon and regression from Nick Chubb. Moving forward, Marks’s role may shift primarily to change-of-pace and passing-down situations, as Montgomery will likely assume most early-down and goal-line duties. Fantasy football managers should expect Montgomery to rank as a solid RB2 or RB3 option, while Marks falls to a lower-tier flex candidate. Marks might still have dynasty value as a buy-low candidate if his trade prompts panic selling among fantasy owners.
Right Tackle Tytus Howard Traded to Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns bolstered their offensive line by acquiring right tackle Tytus Howard from the Texans on Monday in exchange for a fifth-round pick, sources told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Howard, 29, had started 16 games in each of the previous two seasons for Houston and was entering the final year of his contract in 2026. The Browns promptly reached an agreement with Howard on a three-year, $63 million contract extension.
Howard’s arrival addresses Cleveland’s offseason priority of strengthening the offensive line, particularly with Jack Conklin expected to be released. Though Howard has shown inconsistency as a run-blocker, he should improve the Browns’ pass protection. Additionally, Howard’s versatility allows him to slide inside to guard if needed. The Alabama State product is expected to provide both stability and flexibility on Cleveland’s offensive front.
Texans Prioritize Contract Extension for Pass-Rusher Will Anderson Jr.
The Houston Texans are focused on extending defensive end Will Anderson Jr.’s contract to make him one of the league’s highest-paid pass rushers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Anderson, the third overall pick in 2023 from Alabama, has quickly established himself as a premier defender, earning Pro Bowl selections in two of his three NFL seasons and being named Defensive Rookie of the Year.
The 24-year-old recorded a combined 23 sacks over the past two seasons, including a career-high 12 sacks in 17 games during the 2025 regular season. That year, he also posted career-best totals with 54 tackles (35 solo), 20 tackles for loss, 23 quarterback hits, three pass breakups, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries—one of which he returned for a touchdown. Anderson played a critical role in Houston’s league-leading defense last season and remains a highly sought-after player in IDP fantasy football leagues ahead of the 2026 season.
Uncertainty Surrounds Joe Mixon’s Future with Texans
Speculation continues regarding the future of running back Joe Mixon with the Houston Texans. Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle noted that
“all signs point to a potential break between”
Mixon (ankle, foot) and the Texans this offseason. Mixon, who posted over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in 2024, missed the entire 2025 season due to an ankle and foot injury that required surgery. No new updates on his recovery have been reported this offseason. Texans general manager Nick Caserio described Mixon’s status as “day-to-day.”
Mixon is entering the final year of a three-year contract signed in 2024, with the last year not fully guaranteed. The Texans are currently $4.9 million over the salary cap and would save $8.5 million by releasing Mixon. During his absence, Woody Marks took the lead back role. The uncertainty surrounding Mixon’s health and playing status significantly diminishes his fantasy value for 2026, and it is unclear if he will be ready for Week 1.
Further adding to the uncertainty, Caserio told Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Sports that there is no clarity on Mixon’s offseason status following his surgery. With Mixon’s condition unresolved, the Texans are expected to pursue upgrades to their backfield through free agency and the draft, supplementing Marks. Mixon’s proven versatility as a running back is overshadowed by injury concerns, affecting his appeal for fantasy managers.
Houston Texans Confirm C.J. Stroud as Starting Quarterback for 2026
General manager Nick Caserio dismissed trade rumors involving quarterback C.J. Stroud as “moronic,” according to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle. Caserio confirmed that Stroud will remain Houston’s starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The 24-year-old Ohio State product was the second overall pick in the 2023 draft and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie, although he has struggled in subsequent years.
During the 2025 regular season, Stroud completed 64.5% of his passes for 3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games, ranking as the 21st quarterback in fantasy points. However, his playoff performance raised concerns, with 41 completions on 79 attempts for 462 yards, two touchdowns, five interceptions, and two lost fumbles over two games. His improving completion percentage was a positive, but inconsistent play means fantasy owners should hesitate to rely on him as a top starting quarterback in 2026.
Wide Receiver Nico Collins Continues to Battle Injuries but Remains a Top Target
Wide receiver Nico Collins had a productive 2025 season despite injury challenges, recording 71 receptions for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns over 15 games on 120 targets. Collins has demonstrated high talent, but limited offensive support in Houston and frequent health issues have restrained his fantasy ceiling. At 26 years old, he has never played more than 15 games in any single season and has missed 19 games over five NFL years.
Nonetheless, Collins remains the primary receiver in Houston’s passing game, posting three consecutive seasons with at least 68 catches, over 1,000 yards, and six touchdowns. If he can stay healthy and the Texans’ passing offense improves, Collins has the potential for an elite fantasy campaign. For now, he stands as a low-end WR1 and maintains solid value in dynasty leagues as he nears his late 20s.
Tight End Dalton Schultz Achieves Career-Best Numbers Amid Team Challenges
Tight end Dalton Schultz quietly delivered one of his best NFL seasons in 2025, despite the spotlight being grabbed by quarterback C.J. Stroud’s struggles and breakout performances by wide receivers Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. Schultz posted career highs with 82 receptions on 106 targets, accruing 777 yards and scoring three touchdowns. This marked his second top-12 finish at the tight end position in three years.
The 29-year-old veteran is known for consistent, steady production rather than flash, and remains under contract with the Texans for the 2026 season. Schultz is expected to continue providing dependable output even with Stroud’s inconsistency and holds fringe top-12 fantasy tight end value, making him a recommended hold in most dynasty formats.
Nick Chubb’s Fantasy Stock Drops Amid Declining Performance and Injury History
Running back Nick Chubb is likely nearing the end of his NFL career after a disappointing 2025 season with Houston. Following serious knee injuries—including ACL and MCL tears—sustained in 2023 with Cleveland, Chubb joined the Texans intended as their starting back. However, he was limited early on, and Woody Marks eventually took over as the team’s primary ball carrier.
Chubb finished the year with 506 rushing yards and three touchdowns, ranking 54th among running backs in PPR scoring. His 5.9 fantasy points per game set a career low, signaling a diminished role and reduced fantasy relevance moving forward. Currently an impending free agent, Chubb is expected to sign with a team as a veteran backup behind a younger starter. In dynasty football, his trade value is very low, and he is not considered a buy candidate at this stage.
