NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, and free agent signings can then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
The Texans haven't made any splash signings, but they have made waves in the trade market. They first traded for receiver Christian Kirk last week before trading away All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil on Monday. Then on Tuesday, they traded for defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Houston Texans and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Mario Edwards Jr., DT
Edwards is returning to the Texans on a two-year, $9.5 million deal.
What it means: Edwards is an effective run stopper, as he was tied for third in run stuffs (six) per Next Gen Stats, and provides good rotational depth at defensive tackle.
What's the risk: This move is only risky if Edwards isn't impactful in his rotational reps. He's a key piece to their rotation, so he'll be expected to live up to that standard.
M.J. Stewart, S
The Texans are bringing back Stewart on a one-year deal.
What it means: Stewart is a backup safety with special teams value. He played 83% of the Texans' special teams snaps last season.
What's the risk: There's no risk with Stewart. He contributes on special teams and also adds depth. He isn't expected to have much of a role beyond that.
Laken Tomlinson, OG
The Texans are bringing in Tomlinson on a one-year deal worth $4 million.
What it means: Tomlinson is as durable as they come. He's played seven seasons in a row without missing a game. He'll be competing for the starter role with the Texans just trading former starter Kenyon Green.
What's the risk: Tomlinson hasn't played up to the level of his 2021 Pro Bowl level the last three seasons. Last season, he allowed the sixth-highest pressure rate among left guards (9.1%) and allowed 11 sacks, according to Next Gen Stats.
Tremon Smith, CB
Smith joins Houston on a two-year contract worth $7.5 million.
What it means: Smith's value is on special teams. He played 85% and 82% of the Broncos' special team snaps in the last two seasons, respectively.
What's the risk: There isn't much of a risk since he plays on special teams and can provide a bit of depth at cornerback.
Nick Niemann, LB
Niemann comes over from the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year deal worth $6.5 million.
What it means: Niemann is mainly a special teams contributor as he only has three career starts at linebacker in his four year career. Through four seasons he's played in at least 65% of the Chargers special team snaps.
What's the risk: Not much risk. He's a special teams contributor.
Darrell Taylor, DE
The Texans have agreed to terms with the former Chicago Bears defensive end on a one-year deal worth $5 million.
What it means: Taylor has flashed the ability to sack quarterbacks after having 9.5 in his second year. He hasn't reached over 6 since, but he's only heading into Year 5. So the Texans add more capable depth.
What's the risk: The risk is pretty low because he's a rotational piece. So as long as he shows he can produce in limited snaps, that's a plus.
Derek Barnett, DE
Barnett returns to the Texans on a one-year, $5 million contract.
What it means: Barnett provides effective depth at the defensive end position for the Texans after he totaled five sacks last season. He also led Houston's defense in scoring touchdowns as he returned two fumbles for touchdowns.
What's the risk: The risk isn't high because he's a backup. As long as defensive end Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson are healthy, the Texans are in good shape. Having Barnett rotate in is a plus.
Braxton Berrios, WR
The former Miami receiver comes to Houston on a one-year, $2 million contract.
What it means: Berrios has 1,323 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his career. He's mainly a depth piece who plays in the slot and has good returning ability. He was an All-Pro returner for the New York Jets in 2021. So if the Texans can get some of that All-Pro return ability, it will bolster their special teams unit.
What's the risk: Berrios is coming off of a torn ACL, so there's some risk that he won't return to being an effective returner and depth piece. But overall this is a low-risk, medium-reward move.
Sheldon Rankins, DT
Rankins joins Houston on a one-year, $7 million contract.
What it means: This is the start of a slight overhaul for Houston's defensive tackle room as Mario Edwards and Foley Fatukasi, who started a combined 23 games in 2024 for the Texans, are free agents. Neither are expected to return, so Rankins is part of the overhaul. He had six sacks during his 2023 stint with Houston, so the Texans hope to see something similar in 2025.
What's the risk: Rankins only played seven games with the Bengals and had one sack in an injury-filled 2024 season. For the Texans' sake, they need him fully healthy.
Justin Watson, WR
The former Kansas City Chiefs receiver comes to Houston on a one-year deal.
What it means: The Texans add more receiver depth with Watson. He has 1,322 receiving yards in six seasons with nine touchdowns.
What's the risk: If Watson thrusted into a starting role, then that could be an issue, but as a depth signing, there's not much risk.
Dare Ogunbowale, RB
The Texans are bringing back Ogunbowale on a one-year deal.
What it means: Re-signing Ogunbowale adds a third-down back and a special team ace to the running back room. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield as he was eight in reception (19) provides some value to the team and he has value on special teams.
What's the risk: Little to no risk. Ogunbowale doesn't cost much and it doesn't prevent you from drafting at the position either.
Kurt Hinish, DT
The Texans are bringing back Hinish on a one-year deal.
What it means: Hinish adds depth to the defensive tackle room as he's played in 42 games in his career for the Texans.
What's the risk: No risk. He's on a one year deal and isn't expected to be a starter. If he does, that would mean he's developed into an impact player or injuries to the players in front of him happened.