If Stefon Diggs leaves in free agency, wide receiver depth moves up the pecking order for the Houston Texans’ offeseason needs.
As the Texans plan to enter the offseason, Diggs remains the top internal free agent who could return in 2025. After being limited to eight games following a torn ACL, a reunion could be in the work on a one-year deal to better his market in 2026.
But even if the Texans were to reach a deal with the four-time Pro Bowler, they need stability past 2025. Tank Dell, who was expected to be the long-term No. 2 behind Nico Collins, suffered another season-ending injury, putting his status in jeopardy for the next year’s run to the postseason.
It’s why Pro Football Focus has Houston solidifying its receiving corp at pick No. 25 with the addition of Texas receiver Matthew Golden. After a breakout season in Austin, the former Houston Cougar has the upside as a talented No. 2 target in any offensive system.
Stefon Diggs’ impending free agency and Tank Dell‘s likely lengthy absence due to another serious leg injury should have the Texans looking to add a receiver to complement Nico Collins. Golden was a breakout player for the Longhorns this year, as his PFF receiving grade against single coverage and zone coverage were both in the 90th percentile for FBS wide receivers.
Following the firing of Dana Holgerson, Golden elected to enter the transfer portal. By the midway point of his first year with the Longhorns, he had become the go-to target for Quinn Ewers en route to a College Football Playoff bid and a 13-3 season.
Matthew Golden is a stud. Keep feeding him pic.twitter.com/72BJp3O6Zl
— Billy M (@BillyM_91) January 1, 2025
The Houston native finished with career-highs in catches (58), receiving yards (987) yards per catch (17.0) and touchdowns (9). He also stepped up in the biggest games for Texas last season, totaling 162 yards and a touchdown in the SEC Championship and catching a game-tying 28-yard touchdown pass in overtime against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl to go along with 149 yards.
Matthew Golden is a highlight machine.
His draft stock has exploded, averaging 95 yards per game in the last 6 games.
He displays awesome burst, speed, and body control as a route runner and pass catcher. Creates easy separation.
He will likely be a day 2 pick in April. pic.twitter.com/ISsWAxtkJE
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 13, 2025
The Texans also have an infatuation with targeting local products in the draft in the past. Offensive lineman Kenyon Green, defensive back Jalen Pitre, and defensive Dylan Horton all grew up in Houston, while Dell played at Houston for three seasons and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
If the Texans can shore up their offensive line woes in free agency, Golden would be a gold addition to the passing game.