Top 10 cap hits for Houston Texans in 2025 after free agency

The Houston Texans have done most of the work they plan on accomplishing in free agency. The two-time AFC South champions under DeMeco Ryans already made headlines after trading away five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders.

But not all has been bad. Houston shored up its defense with the additions of defensive tackle Shedlon Rankins and do-it-all defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. They also made smaller signings like wide receiver Braxton Berrios, fullback Jakob Johnson and offensive tackle Cam Robinson.

With those moves, plus the extensions of All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr and Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter, the Texans currently have (as of Thursday) just under $29 million in cap space. Currently, a total of 12 Texans have a cap hit of at least $5 million in 2025.

Let's have a look at which players have the 10 biggest cap hits in 2025.

Houston Texans top 10 cap hits in 2025

All salary cap numbers courtesy of Over the Cap.

1. DE Danielle Hunter

Sep 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $23.7 million

2. TE Dalton Schultz

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) reaches for a pass against Kansas City Chiefs safety Bryan Cook (6) during the second quarter of a 2025 AFC divisional round game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $14 million

3. CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (24) runs onto the field before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $12.1 million

4. OT Tytus Howard

Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard (71) takes the field prior to a 2025 AFC divisional round game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $11.6 million

5. QB C.J. Stroud

HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 17: Nico Collins #12 of the Houston Texans celebrates with C.J. Stroud #7 after scoring a receiving touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

2025 salary cap hit: $9.89 million

6. DE Will Anderson Jr.

Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) runs onto the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $9.6 million

7. RB Joe Mixon

Oct 27, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (28) runs with the ball during the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $9.41 million

8. WR Nico Collins

Dec 31, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) runs after a catch against Tennessee Titans cornerback Roger McCreary (21) in the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

2025 salary cap hit: $8.57 million

9. K Ka'imi Fairbairn

Oct 6, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans place kicker Ka'imi Fairbairn (15) concentrates before making a 59 yard field goal against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

2025 salary cap hit: $6.3 million

10. DB Jimmie Ward

Aug 17, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (47) leaps with the ball as Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) defends during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports