The Houston Texans have made impressive progress this offseason, but they still need a few key trades to elevate their roster and bolster their Super Bowl chances in 2026.
While they've made notable free-agent additions, they still need star players to round out their team.
Upgrading the Offensive Line with Tyler Linderbaum
Houston has made some changes to their offensive line, but it remains a clear weakness. They need a long-term solution at center.
Tyler Linderbaum from the Baltimore Ravens is a perfect fit. Linderbaum is one of the most athletic young centers in the league, excelling in both run-blocking and pass protection. He would instantly upgrade Houston's offensive line, providing better protection for C.J. Stroud and boosting the run game with David Montgomery and Woody Marks.
The Ravens are in a rebuilding phase and could be open to trading Linderbaum to secure more draft capital. This would provide Houston with an elite center and solidify their offensive line immediately.
With Linderbaum in place, Houston’s offensive line would become one of the league’s best, providing Stroud with the protection he needs to excel and allowing their running backs to thrive. This is a trade that many analysts believe is crucial for the Texans to pursue.
Bolstering the Defensive Line with Christen Miller
Another key area of concern for Houston is their defensive line, especially after losing Tim Settle. They need to add depth to their interior defensive line to improve their run defense.
Christen Miller from Georgia is a great option. Miller is a versatile, run-stuffing defensive tackle with a knack for interior disruption. He has the potential to develop into a top-tier player, and his style fits perfectly into DeMeco Ryans' defensive system.
Houston could trade up in the draft or target a veteran DT with a similar skillset, like Mazi Smith, for a reasonable price. The cost could be a third-round pick and a potential swap.
Adding Miller would strengthen Houston’s already impressive defense and help create more pressure in the trenches, allowing star pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. to be even more effective.
Adding a Vertical Threat with Alec Pierce
Houston’s offense also needs a deep threat to complement Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Adding a receiver with vertical speed would help stretch the field and create more space for their offense.
Alec Pierce from the Indianapolis Colts is a perfect fit. Pierce has excellent speed and contested catch ability, making him a dangerous downfield weapon. He would be the perfect complement to Collins, adding another dimension to Houston’s passing game.
The Colts are in a rebuilding phase and might be open to trading Pierce to free up cap space and develop younger talent. Houston could offer a fourth- or fifth-round pick for Pierce, which is a reasonable cost for a player of his caliber.
Pierce would immediately elevate Houston’s offense, providing Stroud with a deep threat to keep defenses honest. His addition would help open up more options in the passing game and enhance the overall offensive attack.
Conclusion
These trades would address Houston’s most significant weaknesses while also making them a more balanced and competitive team in 2026. Adding Linderbaum would solidify the offensive line, while Miller would help strengthen the defensive line. Pierce would provide a much-needed deep threat for Stroud to work with.
These trade proposals are based on the current cap space and trade rumors, making them realistic possibilities before the NFL Draft. GM Nick Caserio is known for making savvy moves, and these trades could become a reality in the coming weeks.
If the Texans complete two of these three trades, they would solidify their position as a Super Bowl contender in the upcoming season.
