Three (3) candidates cut on Houston’s roster entering the 2024 offseason
The Houston Texans orchestrated one of the most unforeseen turnarounds in the NFL during the 2023 season. A team that had only secured three victories the preceding year culminated the season with ten wins.
They clinched a division title and the franchise’s inaugural playoff appearance since 2019. A resounding victory in the Wild Card Round solidified Houston’s status as a credible threat in the AFC.
The team’s comeback highlighted DeMeco Ryans’ skillful coaching and quarterback CJ Stroud’s outstanding rookie year. The Texans are positioned as a strong competitor in the AFC South and seem ready for long-term competition and the possibility of title contention soon.
Although Ryans and general manager Nick Caserio have a solid base, they still need to work hard to add to and improve the roster. After the Texans’ postseason run came to an end in the Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens 34-10, the focus turned to what the team planned to do in the offseason.
Considerations for the Off-Season
The Texans, who are led by a young and talented core, have difficulty managing their senior contracts. As of right now, Robert Woods is the most prominent possible alternative to save cap space while simultaneously creating chances for up-and-coming receiving talent. Later on, we’ll have more about him.
Furthermore, the choice surrounding Davis Mills’ future becomes crucial with Case Keenum involved. With 26 starts under his belt at the age of 25, Mills has the potential to draw interest as a backup quarterback. Devin Singletary’s stellar season and Dameon Pierce’s lackluster sophomore year raise questions about Pierce’s future as well.
Here, we’ll examine the three players who the Houston Texans are considering cutting as the 2024 NFL offseason approaches.
Davis Mills, QB
Yes, Davis Mills isn’t slated to be a conventional cap casualty given the Texans’ limited options. However, the organization may contemplate parting ways with him to explore alternative opportunities. Despite potential interest in trading him, the Texans’ decision to start Keenum over Mills during Weeks 14 and 15 suggests a diminished role for the latter. Such a move could yield a $1.4 million savings for the team.
Robert Woods, WR
As we said, Robert Woods emerges as a prominent figure in discussions about the Texans’ financial landscape. Sure, the team has an advantageous position with only one player anticipated to exceed $20 million in salary (Laremy Tunsil). That said, Woods is 32 and has had modest production. He ranked fourth in the team in receiving yards (426) and tallied only one touchdown. These may prompt the Texans to consider reallocating resources. With emerging talents like Nico Collins and Tank Dell, cutting Woods could free up $4.9 million in cap space to secure a more impactful third receiver.
Geez! Robert woods is such a fake out for a CJ 😭 @CardPurchaser pic.twitter.com/SXSi3qolVO
— Tanman Cards (@TanmanCards) February 9, 2024
Jimmie Ward, S.
Jimmie Ward’s stay with the Texans is indicative of a calculated purchase intended to strengthen the defense of the squad. Under DeMeco Ryans, Ward has been a dependable veteran who has shown versatility, especially in slot coverage. But with injuries plaguing him as he approaches 33, Ward’s future with the Texans looks hazy. If the team decides to let go of Ward, they might save $3.8 million. After that, they could decide to spend money improving the safety posture.
Gazing Forward
Ahead of the 2024 NFL season, the Houston Texans are considering roster moves, and the choices made with Davis Mills, Robert Woods, and Jimmie Ward highlight the challenges that come with running an NFL team. Every player has a different combination of potential, experience, and budgetary constraints. The Texans must therefore strike a compromise between their immediate requirements and their long-term goals. The next summer is an important opportunity for the team to reevaluate its priorities. They will make the most of the resources at their disposal to increase their competitiveness and set themselves up for long-term success.
We anticipate that the Texans will develop young players, make wise roster decisions, and make savvy player additions. In this manner, the Texans can continue to be well-positioned to negotiate the changing professional football scene and establish themselves as a dominant force in the AFC. The franchise’s actions throughout the offseason will surely determine the team’s future direction for years to come. It would set the stage for hopes of competing for championships and sustained greatness in the years to come.
