Irv Smith Jr., the former Alabama tight end, has officially re-signed with the Houston Texans on a one-year deal, adding depth to their tight end roster. Smith's return marks him as the sixth Alabama player currently on the Texans roster, joining notable teammates such as John Metchie III and Will Anderson Jr. Despite a season in 2024 where he saw limited playtime with only five games and no offensive stats, he remains a viable option for Houston's offensive strategies. Smith's career totals stand at 109 receptions for 973 yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his potential in the right system.

As the Texans look to build upon their previous season, Smith's familiarity with the team could be beneficial. Notably, he is reunited with head coach DeMeco Ryans, a former Alabama standout himself, which could enhance Smith's integration into the Texans' game plan. The coaching staff, alongside a roster infused with SEC talent, aims for a more dynamic offensive approach, especially after a season filled with challenges. Smith's experience could help solidify the tight end position and potentially elevate the Texans' passing game moving forward.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Houston Texans are preparing for their top 30 visits with potential draft prospects. These visits allow teams to evaluate players firsthand and assess their fit for the roster. Recent drafts show a trend where the Texans have successfully picked several players who previously visited, including All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and first-round picks C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. in 2023.

This year's reported visits include prospects like Kyle Williams, T.J. Sanders, and Matthew Golden. Notably, Golden's visit does not count against the 30 due to his local ties. The Texans' strategy appears to be focused on building a robust scouting report while also capitalizing on the Combine meetings to secure talent for their rebuilding efforts.

The Houston Texans face a challenging offseason as they trade away star left tackle Laremy Tunsil, a Pro Bowl performer and one of the league's top pass protectors. Coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledged the difficulty of this decision, emphasizing the trade's potential benefits, including acquiring multiple draft picks. The Texans aim to invest in young talents like Derek Stingley Jr. and C.J. Stroud while overhauling their offensive line. Ryans has brought in veterans like Cam Robinson and Laken Tomlinson to enhance competition and performance, especially after the Texans struggled offensively last season.

Ryans believes improved coaching and fostering competition will elevate the offensive line's performance, which is crucial for C.J. Stroud's success as the quarterback. The Texans' offensive struggles last season, including a high sack rate, prompted changes in the coaching staff and roster. The focus is now on building a cohesive offensive line, allowing Stroud to thrive with adequate protection, which could significantly influence the Texans' fortunes in the upcoming season.

The Houston Texans are securing their defensive future by extending Danielle Hunter, a five-time Pro Bowler, with a new one-year, $35.6 million contract for the 2026 season. Hunter's remarkable performance lasted through his first year in Houston, where he recorded 12 sacks, ranking him fifth in the NFL alongside rookie sensation Will Anderson Jr., who added 11 sacks of his own. Together, they formed one of the league's most formidable pass-rushing duos, accumulating a combined 23 sacks, placing them third among all teammate pairs in the league.

Hunter's new contract brings his total earnings over the next two seasons to $55.1 million, with $54.1 million guaranteed, coming just behind Myles Garrett, who holds the highest salary among edge rushers. As the Texans look to build on their strong defensive core, Hunter and Anderson are poised to lead the charge in 2026 and beyond, solidifying Houston’s commitment to a robust defensive lineup.

The Houston Texans solidified their defense by extending Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter with a one-year, $35.6 million deal, ensuring his presence in the team through 2026. This contract makes Hunter the second-highest-paid defensive end in the league, a fitting tribute to his exceptional performance, including 12 sacks last season. Hunter's experience and skills will not only bolster the Texans' defense but provide mentorship to rising star Will Anderson Jr., who was last season's Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Hunter's impressive metrics from the previous season, where he pressured quarterbacks on over 25% of his pass-rush snaps, establish him as a key asset in the Texans' push for playoff contention. This move comes on the heels of the Texans also securing a mega-deal for standout cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., further indicating their commitment to building a formidable defense.