Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud returned to voluntary workouts, emphasizing the team's commitment to building a strong foundation for the future. Stroud expressed excitement about integrating new players, such as wide receiver Christian Kirk, into the team's dynamics. He noted that his offseason preparation has improved with experience, allowing him to establish better rapport with offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Stroud also highlighted the importance of his relationship with quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, while commending the contract extensions of teammates Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, which he viewed as deserved recognition of their talents.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts and looking for undervalued wide receivers. Notable names include Ricky Pearsall from the San Francisco 49ers, who, despite a rocky start due to injuries, showed promise with an impressive average of 18.6 points per game in the latter part of 2024. Meanwhile, Christian Kirk's trade to the Houston Texans positions him as the potential No. 2 receiver, particularly after Stefon Diggs' departure.

Marvin Mims Jr. from the Denver Broncos also stands out after finishing strong last season, averaging 22.9 points in the final weeks. Other exciting sleeper picks include Jayden Higgins, Jalen Coker, and Cedric Tillman, all of whom demonstrated significant upside in their recent performances. With the right strategy, these players could provide excellent return on investment in fantasy leagues.

Trading Christian Kirk to the Houston Texans for a 2026 seventh-round pick earned the Jacksonville Jaguars a C+ grade from NFL.com. Analyst Kevin Patra acknowledged that while the Jaguars managed to gain something for a player they were likely to release, the return was minimal. Kirk's injuries over the past two seasons, with only 19 games played out of 34 possible, contributed to the decision to move on. The trade not only provided some cap relief—freeing up over $10 million—but also highlights the team's focus on reshaping their roster.

General Manager James Gladstone expressed respect for Kirk and fellow player Evan Engram, underscoring their contributions to the locker room. The move is seen as a step towards better flexibility for the team, especially after some key departures along the offensive line. The Jaguars aim to leverage this newfound cap space to enhance their overall roster as they look forward to the upcoming draft.

In the landscape of fantasy football, identifying mid-round value players can significantly elevate your team’s potential. As free agency reshapes rosters, the Houston Texans' Christian Kirk emerges as a prime target in drafts. Projected as the key slot receiver, Kirk's previous successful seasons with the Jaguars hint at his ability to thrive in a revamped Texans offense, particularly with the uncertainty surrounding Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell.

Najee Harris, now with the Los Angeles Chargers, is another intriguing option. Despite the criticism in previous seasons, his consistent workload and the Chargers' investment in their offensive line suggest he could flourish, especially if given the volume expected in a more dynamic offense. Lastly, Travis Kelce remains a reliable tight end option, even as he approaches his later years, thanks to his established rapport with Patrick Mahomes and the current uncertainties in the Chiefs' receiving corps. Selecting these players in the middle rounds could offer significant returns in the upcoming season.

As the Houston Texans approach the NFL Draft, they are actively exploring opportunities to strengthen their roster further despite having signed several impactful free agents. With approximately $18.5 million in cap space available, the team could look to add a veteran receiver, interior lineman, or linebacker with potential to make an immediate difference.

One name that stands out is Will Hernandez, a solid pass-protecting interior lineman who has faced injury challenges in the past but is expected to return to form this season. If Hernandez doesn't re-sign with the Arizona Cardinals, there's a possibility he could make the move to Houston on a one-year contract. The Texans are also in the market for a secondary linebacker and a center to bolster the offensive front as they prepare for the 2025 draft.