2026 NFL Draft

We can use a LB that is a great tackler as well as being great in coverage. With that said, there's no benefit to adding a LB unless he is outstanding in coverage.

 

We'll lose Christian Kirk's massive contract. I believe we will have sufficient cap space to bring back Rankins and others. With that said, I anticipate that we will use a top-3 pick on a DT.

 

Kirk is about ~$12M in dead cap if not re-signed IIRC

 

Does that mean that he counts as $12 million against our 26' cap if we let him walk?

 

Yep, cannot use that $12M elsewhere.


If he leaves before June 1, 2026

• All ~$12M hits the 2026 cap at once
  

If it’s a post–June 1 situation

• Part of the dead cap hits 2026
  
  
• The rest hits 2027
  

 

Makes little sense to let Kirk walk. You could trade him for cap space if you want. I don’t think his salary is so egregious that someone might want him (we did). The optimistic outlook on this is that as bad as Caserio has been at signing FA offensive lineman, he has been amazing at DT.

 

Trading Kirk after June 1st would maximize cap space - prolly more than enough to sign rookie class

 

Not counting free agency, our biggest needs are center, coverage LB, guard, RB, backup/developmental OT. Also, depth at CB & S.

C
LB
G
RB
OT
CB
S

Agree/Disagree?

 

The great thing about the 2026 Texans draft is that it should hopefully replenish the talent on the roster as the veterans get poised for looming raises. Pending any additional trades, the Texans should add key talent. With a total of 6 picks in the top 4 rounds, and one of those 4th round picks being at the top of the 4th.

Meaning at least 5 for sure quality players added on the 2026 draft.