Texans keep building around C.J. Stroud — and finally attack the offensive line

The Houston Texans remain one of the AFC's more promising teams, built around quarterback C.J. Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans. But 2026 is dominated by one storyline: fixing an offensive line that has held the offense back and, at times, left Stroud under siege. Houston spent the offseason attacking that weakness from every angle.

The offensive line makeover — again

Houston's line revamp continued in earnest. The Texans moved on from veterans Tytus Howard and Juice Scruggs, re-upped right guard Ed Ingram, and added veterans Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith in free agency. In the draft, they took center/guard Keylan Rutledge in the first round to reinforce the interior. Left tackle Aireontae Ersery, coming off an up-and-down rookie year, will look to build on flashes of promise. Protecting Stroud is the single most important thing Houston can do, and the front office clearly knows it.

Reshaping the backfield

Houston also reworked its running game, trading for veteran running back David Montgomery to bring stable, physical production to the backfield — a move that signaled the end of Joe Mixon's time in Houston. Montgomery's steadiness fits an offense that wants to take pressure off its quarterback and control games.

A defense with teeth

The Texans' defense remains a strength, anchored by edge monsters Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter, both still in their primes. A dominant pass rush gives Houston a foundation that travels, and it's the kind of unit that can carry a team through the ups and downs of a season.

Season outlook

Houston enters 2026 with playoff expectations in a winnable AFC South. The formula is clear: if the rebuilt offensive line holds up and gives Stroud time, the offense should take a step forward, and the defense is already good enough to keep the Texans in games. The line is the swing factor — get it right, and Houston is a genuine contender; get it wrong again, and another talented roster could be capped by protection problems. The Texans attacked the issue aggressively. Now they need it to work.