San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans before an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)
Texans: 3 cut candidates on Houston’s roster entering 2024 offseason
Which players should the Texans cut?
The Houston Texans stand at a crucial juncture as they brace themselves for a pivotal offseason. They wish to fortify their roster for the upcoming 2024 NFL season. Following a 10-7 performance in 2023 that enabled them to secure a playoff berth, the Texans find themselves in the midst of evaluating strategic player acquisitions and potential roster adjustments. As they navigate through their options, three players have emerged as potential candidates for release. Each of these presents unique implications for the team’s future trajectory. Here, we delve into the Texans’ 2023 season, examine the repercussions of their playoff absence, and scrutinize the prospective release candidates to do even better next season.
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Texans’ 2023 Season
The Houston Texans orchestrated one of the most unforeseen turnarounds in the NFL during the 2023 season. A team that had only secured three victories the preceding year culminated the season with ten wins. They clinched a division title and the franchise’s inaugural playoff appearance since 2019. A resounding victory in the Wild Card Round solidified Houston’s status as a credible threat in the AFC.
The team’s resurgence underscored the adept coaching of DeMeco Ryans and the remarkable rookie performance of quarterback CJ Stroud. Positioned as a formidable contender within the AFC South, the Texans appear primed for sustained competitiveness and the potential for championship contention soon.
While Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio possess a sturdy foundation, augmenting and refining the roster necessitates diligent efforts. As the Texans’ playoff journey concluded with a 34-10 defeat in the Divisional Round against the Baltimore Ravens, attention shifted towards the team’s agenda for the offseason.
Offseason Considerations
Bolstered by a youthful and promising core, the Texans face challenges in maneuvering their veteran contracts. Right now, Robert Woods stands out as a potential cap-saving option that could also facilitate opportunities for emerging receiving talents. We’ll have more on him later.
In addition, with Case Keenum in the mix, the decision regarding Davis Mills’ future becomes pivotal. At 25 years old with 26 starts to his credit, Mills could attract interest as a backup quarterback with considerable upside. Dameon Pierce’s role may also be in jeopardy following Devin Singletary’s impressive campaign and Pierce’s underwhelming sophomore season.
Here we will look at the three cut candidates on the Houston Texans’ roster entering the 2024 NFL offseason.
Davis Mills, QB
Yes, Davis Mills isn’t slated to be a conventional cap casualty given the Texans’ limited options. However, the organization may contemplate parting ways with him to explore alternative opportunities. Despite potential interest in trading him, the Texans’ decision to start Keenum over Mills during Weeks 14 and 15 suggests a diminished role for the latter. Such a move could yield a $1.4 million savings for the team.
Robert Woods, WR
As we said, Robert Woods emerges as a prominent figure in discussions about the Texans’ financial landscape. Sure, the team has an advantageous position with only one player anticipated to exceed $20 million in salary (Laremy Tunsil). That said, Woods is 32 and has had modest production. He ranked fourth in the team in receiving yards (426) and tallied only one touchdown. These may prompt the Texans to consider reallocating resources. With emerging talents like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, cutting Woods could free up $4.9 million in cap space to secure a more impactful third receiver.
Jimmie Ward, S
Jimmie Ward’s tenure with the Texans reflects a strategic acquisition aimed at bolstering the team’s defensive unit. Serving as a reliable veteran under DeMeco Ryans, Ward’s versatility, particularly in slot coverage, has been advantageous. However, approaching 33 years old and hampered by injuries, Ward’s future with the Texans appears uncertain. The team could save $3.8 million by opting to move on from Ward. They could then potentially allocate resources towards upgrading the safety position.
Looking Ahead
As the Houston Texans contemplate roster adjustments ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the decisions surrounding Davis Mills, Robert Woods, and Jimmie Ward epitomize the complexities inherent in managing an NFL franchise. Each player represents a unique blend of experience, potential, and financial considerations. Given that, the Texans must balance short-term needs with long-term aspirations. The impending offseason serves as a pivotal juncture for the organization to realign its priorities. They will leverage available resources to maximize competitiveness and chart a course toward sustained success.
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Former Gorman star knew Texans were good early in season
Bishop Gorman product Brevin Jordan on his NFL season
Former Bishop Gorman star tight end Brevin Jordan said he and his Houston Texans teammates knew they were going to shatter expectations after a Week 4 win over Pittsburgh.
“We started 0-2 and then got a big win against Jacksonville in Week 3, and then we dominated Pittsburgh,” he said Friday at the Review-Journal booth on Super Bowl 58 radio row. “I think we all took a second after that one to look around the locker room and think, ‘We could be pretty good.’”
He knew rookie quarterback CJ Stroud was going to be exceptional long before that.
Jordan said that happened in one of his first practices of the offseason. Jordan was running a clearout route and was not even part of the progression, yet Stroud still threw in his direction.
Apparently, the coverage left him alone on a linebacker, and Stroud was able to recognize it even though it wasn’t one of his reads. Jordan said for a rookie that early in his pro career to be able to see everything and make that decision was remarkable.
“I knew CJ Stroud was that dude right then in OTAs,” Jordan said. “When I came back to the huddle, he told me, ‘Look, if there’s a linebacker on you, I’m throwing that ball.’ I knew right then I liked him and that he would be really good.”
Stroud and the Texans, expected to be a laughingstock, made the playoffs with a young core, and Jordan is excited for the future.
“Honestly, we have the foundational pieces,” he said. “We have young guys like Tank Dell, CJ Stroud. A young offensive coordinator, young head coach. Now it’s just about building on that, grab some guys in free agency and keep going. We know what it takes to win close games now. I’m excited to go into next year.”
It will be Jordan’s fourth season in the league after the Texans picked him out of Miami in 2021.
Even at just 23, he’s concentrating on trying to make the most out of each year.
“I’m just enjoying the process,” he said. “I’m enjoying the journey. The NFL is ‘not for long.’ My job is to just enjoy every practice, every down. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so I want to maximize it, enjoy it, make as much money as possible and just enjoy my life and not live with too much stress or anything.”
Jordan discussed the Texans, what he likes to do for fun when he’s back home in Las Vegas and the explosion of football in Southern Nevada in the full interview above.
