The Houston Texans are gearing up for what promises to be a pivotal 2026 NFL season, and while their starting lineup is stacked with star power, a closer look reveals some troubling gaps beneath the surface. On paper, this is one of the most talented defenses in the league—boasting elite playmakers at every level. But as training camp approaches, questions about depth are beginning to loom large, especially for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Linebacker depth has already been a hot topic in recent weeks. Many analysts are skeptical about the talent behind starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o. Now, a new concern has emerged that could prove even more critical: the edge rusher rotation.
ESPN NFL analyst Aaron Schatz recently highlighted the Texans' lack of depth at edge rusher as the team's biggest weakness heading into the season. And it's hard to argue with the numbers. Starting duo Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combined for a staggering 27 sacks last season—but they don't play every snap. Anderson logged just 67% of defensive snaps in 2024, while Hunter played 70%. That leaves a lot of snaps to be filled by players who simply haven't proven they can deliver.
The depth chart behind them is thin, especially after the departures of Derek Barnett and Denico Autry. Free-agent addition Dominique Robinson managed just 1.5 sacks in 12 games with the Bears last season, while Dylan Horton has only half a sack over three years in Houston. That's not the kind of production a contender can rely on in high-leverage situations.
Schatz suggests the Texans would be the perfect landing spot for a veteran pass rusher who can step into a rotational role—names like Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa, or Leonard Floyd come to mind. Even Barnett and Autry remain unsigned and could be brought back on team-friendly deals.
Of course, not everyone agrees that edge rusher depth is the team's most pressing issue. After all, it was the offense—not the defense—that ultimately held Houston back from reaching its goals in 2025. The right tackle position, in particular, feels like a more urgent need after the team traded starter Tytus Howard without securing a clear replacement. Some believe the answer is already on the roster, either through the draft or free agency, but that confidence isn't universal.
As the Texans prepare to defend their status as AFC contenders, the margin for error is razor-thin. Whether it's linebacker depth or edge rusher rotation, one thing is clear: Houston can't afford to overlook the importance of a deep, reliable roster. In a league where championships are won in the trenches, every snap matters—and every gap needs to be filled.