The Houston Texans had a Cinderella-esc run to the AFC South title in 2023. After multiple seasons of being one of the worst teams in the league, while simultaneously having the stench of the Deshaun Watson situation still looming over them, the Texans won the AFC South with a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback.
Heading into 2024, Houston has gotten stronger, adding Stefon Diggs to an already explosive offense and they have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. That said, not everyone will be able to come on the ride. As training camp rolls on, we will find out which fringe roster guys will earn a spot on the final-53 man roster, and which guys will be given their walking papers. Here are three cut candidates for the Houston Texans.
CB Jeff Okudah
Okudah’s career hasn’t panned out the way he had in mind when he was drafted No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in 2020. After three seasons in Detroit, Okudah was traded to Atlanta in 2023. He signed with the Texans at the beginning of free agency in March. However, he is going to have several other corners to compete with. Another former first-round pick, C.J. Henderson, will also be vying for playing time and a roster spot, as will Troy Pride and Mike Ford Jr. With the top three spots on the depth chart all but solidified with Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter on the outside and Desmond King at the nickel, Okudah will have to beat out several other cornerbacks just to be the CB4 on the depth chart.
WR Robert Woods
Woods is 32, and at most would be the No. 5 receiver on the depth chart. The Texans have one of the best receiving trios in the league on paper after adding Stefon Diggs to a unit already consisting Nico Collins and Tank Dell, and they re-signed Noah Brown, as well. When competing with John Metchie and Xavier Hutchinson, it’s hard to imagine the Texans would go with Woods over the youth of the other receivers fighting for a roster spot.
RB Dameon Pierce
Pierce had a sub-par 2023 season after a breakout in 2022. He only rushed for 416 yards on 2.9 yards per carry in 2023, compared to 939 yards and 4.3 yards per carry in 2022. The Texans traded for Joe Mixon and added Cam Akers as a free agent. They have Dare Ogunbowale on the roster, as well. A disappointing season combined with other options are a recipe for a potential release when it comes to running backs. Pierce will need to have a really good camp.
