The Houston Texans are officially in offseason mode and we are still weeks away from free agency and the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
Over the next few weeks, Texans Wire will break down each player on the roster amid a run to the postseason and their potential moving forward.
We will recap their 2024 season, their contract status and what their status is for the coming offseason and 2025 season.
Let’s continue to talk about the running back room with a recap on No. 3 runner Dare Ogunbowale
2024 Dare Ogunbowale Season
Beloved in the locker room and on special teams, Ogunbowale remained a steadfast part of the Texans’ success on kickoffs, kick returns and punts. He also stepped up as a receiving threat in place of Pro Bowler Joe Mixon during his three absent weeks because of an ankle injury.
2024 Dare Ogunbowle Pierce stats
In 17 games, Ogunbowale rushed for 112 yards on 30 attempts. He also caught 19 passes for 180 yards and scored on a crucial 1-yard touchdown pass with one second remaining in Week 4’s victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2025 contract status
Ogunbowale will be an unrestricted free agent, as his one-year, $1.5 million contract expires at the start of the new calendar season.
Outlook for 2025
It would make sense for Ogunbowale to return as the pass-catching back for 2025 if the money is right. While he could command a bit more than $1.5 million, anywhere between $2-2.25 million annually seems like fair compensation for a No. 3 option in the run game and standout on special teams.
If the Texans let Ogunbowale walk in free agency, expect them to be a player for at least one more running back ahead of OTAs this summer.