The Houston Texans’ 2025-26 season came to a close in the AFC Divisional Round, but the business of building for 2026 is already underway. In the immediate aftermath of their 28-16 loss to the New England Patriots, the front office has been active, signing a wave of players to Reserve/Future contracts while two key members of the defense received prestigious postseason honors.
Roster Building in the Offseason Shadows On January 20th and 21st, the Texans announced a series of signings to Reserve/Future contracts, a common practice to secure rights to players for the upcoming league year. The moves add depth and competition across several positional groups. The new additions include wide receiver Josh Kelly, tight ends Layne Pryor and Luke Lachey, safety Kaevon Merriweather, guard Sidy Sow, and defensive tackle Junior Tafuna. These players will participate in the Texans’ offseason program and training camp, fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster. This flurry of activity follows earlier post-season signings like safety Jaylen Reed and defensive tackle Leki Fotu, indicating a comprehensive approach to evaluating talent ahead of free agency and the draft.
Defensive Backs Shine with Pro Bowl Recognition While the team’s playoff run ended, individual excellence was recognized as safeties Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter were named to the 2026 Pro Bowl Games as replacements. Bullock, who just completed his second season, stepped in for Pittsburgh’s Jalen Pitre. Lassiter, also in his second year, replaced New England’s Christian Gonzalez. Their selections underscore the rapid development and high-level play within DeMeco Ryans’ defensive system. For two young players to earn this honor so early in their careers bodes well for the secondary’s future and highlights the successful 2024 draft class that also brought in Will Anderson Jr. and C.J. Stroud.
Looking Ahead to a Pivotal Offseason These procedural signings and accolades occur against the backdrop of much larger conversations. The Texans have approximately $2.7 million in effective cap space for 2026 and face decisions on 20 impending free agents. Furthermore, all eyes are on the front office as they prepare for what are expected to be record-setting contract extension discussions with defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and quarterback C.J. Stroud. Anderson, eligible for an extension after his third season, is poised to reset the defensive market. The team must also decide on Stroud’s fifth-year option by May 1st, a mere formality before what will likely be a landmark deal. The work done now with depth signings is the first step in constructing a roster capable of supporting those cornerstone investments and building on a 12-5 season that included the franchise’s first-ever road playoff victory.