2025 NFL free agency: Best remaining players for Texans after first wave of free agency
NFL's free agency underway as the new league year has officially begun. Now, everything from splash signings to blockbuster trades are official, meaning this is the new foundation of the locker rooms for teams trying mae a run to the postseason in 2025.
The Houston Texans caught fire early Monday afternoon after it was announced that they'd be trading five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for four future picks, including a 2025 third-round selection. Tunsil gets to reset his market in D.C. while the Texans must reinvest in their offensive line, starting with finding the future left tackle.
That wasn't the only move made by Houston during the first week of free agency. The Texans bolstered their special tewams with the signings of cornerback Tremon Smith (two years, $7.5 million), All-Pro returner Braxton Berrios (one-year $2 million), wide receiver Justin Watson (one-year, $4.5 million) and linebacker Jake Hansen (one-year, $1.7 million). The also bolstered the defensive line by re-singning No. 3 defensive end Derek Barnett (one-year, $5 million) while also bringing back former starting defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (one-year, $7 million). They also added another pass-rusher in Darrell Taylor (one-year, $5.25 million) and brought back defensive M.J. Stewart and defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr. (two-year, $9.5 million).
The big moves never happen for Houston early. After the initial wave, Texans' Nick Caserio goes into overdrive to land the smart free agents with upside to ink long-term deals next offseason. And with 25 free agents, including All-Pro receiver Stefon Diggs off the team, there's still plenty of depth needed for the roster.
Here's a look at the best available free agents (at time of publication), by position, following the first major wave free agency.
Quarterback
- Aaron Rodgers, Jets (41)
- Russell Wilson, Steelers (36)
- Daniel Jones, Vikings (28)
Running back
- J.K. Dobbins, Chargers (26)
- Nick Chubb, Browns (29)
Wide receiver
- Stefon Diggs, Texans (31)
- Keenan Allen, Bears (33)
- Amari Cooper, Bills (31)
- Tyler Lockett, Seahawks (32)
- Elijah Moore, Browns (25)
- Robert Woods, Texans (33)
- Brandin Cooks, Cowboys (31)
Tight End
- Tyler Conklin, Jets (30)
Offensive tackle
- Cam Robinson, Vikings (29)
- Tyron Smith, Jets (34)
- Jedrick Wills Jr., Browns (26)
- D.J. Humphries, Chiefs (30)
- Joe Noteboom, Rams (26)
Interior offensive line
- Teven Jenkins, Bears (27)
- Brandon Scherff, Jaguars (33)
- Kevin Zeitler, Lions (35)
- Dalton Risner, Vikings (29)
- Josh Myers, Packers (27)
- Will Hernandez, Cardinals (30)
Edge rusher
- Von Miller, Bills (36)
- Za’Darius Smith, Lions (32)
- Preston Smith, Steelers (32)
- Joseph Ossai, Bengals (25)
- Azeez Ojulari, Giants (25)
Defensive tackle
- Calais Campbell, Dolphins (39)
- Dalvin Tomlinson, Browns (31)
- Dre’Mont Jones, Seahawks (28)
- Maliek Collins, 49ers (30)
- Foley Fatukasi, Texans (30)
Linebacker
- Eric Kendricks, Cowboys (33)
- Kyzir White, Cardinals (29)
- Jerome Baker, Titans (28)
Cornerback
- Rasul Douglas, Bills (31)
- Asante Samuel Jr., Chargers (25)
- Stephon Gilmore, Vikings (34)
- Mike Hilton, Bengals (31)
- Ahkello Witherspoon, Rams (30)
Safety
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: 2025 NFL free agency: Best remaining players for Texans to target
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