Houston Texans 2026 Training Camp Preview: Can They Compete With AFC's Elite?

With several teams kicking off their organized team activities this week, the NFL offseason is in full swing.

Teams have OTAs sprinkled in over the next three weeks before a month-long break until training camp begins in mid-to-end July.

We'll be reviewing the major offseason changes for all 32 teams in addition to previewing what to expect from each team as they head into training camp. Below is our 2026 training camp preview for the Houston Texans.

Key Offseason Dates

Voluntary OTAs: May 27-29, June 1-2, June 4

Mandatory minicamp: June 9-11

Training camp: mid-July

NFL Hall of Fame game: Aug. 6

Key Additions:

David Montgomery, RB

Foster Moreau, TE

Braden Smith, OT

Wyatt Teller, OG

Evan Brown, OG

Logan Hall, DT

Dominique Robinson, DE

Jake Hummel, LB

Reed Blankenship, S

2026 NFL Draft Class:

Keylan Rutledge, OG, Round 1

Kayden McDonald, DT, Round 2

Marlin Klein, TE, Round 2

Febechi Nwaiwu, OG, Round 4

Wade Woodaz, LB, Round 4

Kamari Ramsey, S, Round 5

Lewis Bond, WR, Round 6

Aiden Fisher, LB, Round 7

Key Losses:

Christian Kirk, WR

Harrison Bryant, TE

Tytus Howard, OT

Tim Settle, DT

Damone Clark, LB

Myles Bryant, CB

Tommy Townsend, P

Analysis:

The Texans were one win away from playing in the AFC Championship Game last season.

A dominant defense carried the team to a 12-5 record as the offense struggled at times to find some consistency. Quarterback C.J. Stroud (3,041 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions) and receiver Nico Collins (71 receptions, 1,117 yards, six touchdowns) had solid years, but the clear absence of a run game didn't help Houston's cause.

The Texans took a step toward remedying that issue, adding two-time 1,000-yard rusher David Montgomery, and they fortified the offensive line in adding guards Wyatt Teller, Evan Brown, and first-round rookie Keylan Rutledge.

Houston also bolstered its defense in adding safety Reed Blankenship, second-round defensive tackle Kayden McDonald, and defensive end Dominique Robinson.

With Stroud, Montgomery, Collins, a healthy Tank Dell, and tight end Dalton Schultz plus a revamped offensive line, the Texans should be just as formidable as they were last year. And 2026 is the year they should take their place among the rest of the AFC’s elite teams.

Another 11- or 12-win season and possible division title is very much within reach. Expect the Texans to be right in the thick of the AFC playoff race by season's end.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 11:39 PM.