The widely accepted roster-building formula in the NFL is to surround a quarterback on a rookie contract proven to be franchise-caliber. Houston found its quarterback in last year’s draft as CJ Stroud led the team to a playoff berth and victory.
General manager Nick Caserio used free agency to add pieces to help the Texans elevate into Super Bowl contender status, setting history during the process.
Houston’s acquisitions of Joe Mixon, Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter made them the first team to add a player with 100-plus catches (Diggs), 1,000-plus rushing yards (Mixon) and 10-plus sacks (Hunter).
The Texans are the first team to acquire players that recorded these stats in the previous season:
100+ catches (Stefon Diggs)
1000+ rush yards (Joe Mixon)
10+ sacks (Danielle Hunter) pic.twitter.com/wgZrcG3Hms— NFL (@NFL) April 4, 2024
The Texans pivoted to Mixon after losing out on Saquon Barkley. Houston traded a conditional seventh-round pick to Cincinnati for the veteran Mixon and then extended him for three years worth $27 million.
With Mixon, the Texans hope to spark the running game that was inefficient a year ago. Houston averaged the fifth-lowest yards per carry at 3.7. Mixon rushed for 1,000 yards last season, marking the fourth time in his seven-year career he eclipsed 1,000 yards.
Hunter returned to his hometown, allegedly taking less money to join the Texans. The 29-year-old played eight seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, becoming one of the most productive pass rushers in the league.
Last season, Hunter led the NFL in tackles for loss with 23 and posted a career-high in sacks with 16.5. He joins Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr. and fellow free agent signing Denico Autry.
The trio combined for 35 sacks last season, and Houston looks to upgrade the defensive line like the 49ers did during the early years under Kyle Shanahan.
The Texans had competition for Hunter, including a division rival. Indianapolis reportedly offered more money to Hunter than Houston, according to Stephen Holder. However, the former Pro Bowler opted for the two-year, $49 million deal from the Texans.
Report: Colts offered Danielle Hunter more money than he’ll make with the Texans. https://t.co/FIq7IN0F7B
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 27, 2024
Hunter’s contract includes a $48 million guarantee, the most guaranteed money Caserio has given out in free agency.
Diggs is the most recent addition to the team. He was acquired on Wednesday from the Buffalo Bills in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick via the Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans cut the final three years from Diggs’ contract and moved up the guaranteed money from 2025 to this season, making him an unrestricted free agent after the year.
Diggs is one of two wide receivers to record 100-plus catches in the last four seasons. Diggs joins the emerging Nico Collins and sophomore Tank Dell, who shares the same trainer as the former Bills wideout.
Stay tuned
@stefondiggs / #Texans #TROTD pic.twitter.com/kuDOmhBNb6
— Delfonte Diamond (@DelfonteDiamond) April 5, 2024
The Texans will pay $62.8 million between the three offseason additions in 2024. Houston signed the second-most players in free agency, combining for the second-most guaranteed money, according to Over the Cap.
It’s hard to say that the Texans aren’t trying to put the best talent they can around Stroud. Houston won’t surprise anybody this season, but they have the talent to compete for the AFC South crown and potentially more.