The Houston Texans are making waves this offseason, emerging as one of the big winners. But hey, it's not just about the flashy moves; they gotta back it up on the field in 2024.
Coach DeMeco Ryans is pumped about the team's progress, especially after last season's 11-8 record and a playoff win against the Cleveland Browns. Now, with the tag of AFC favorites, the Texans are aiming high, especially after three lackluster seasons with just 11 wins combined. But hey, they're not about to rest on their laurels, even if they're feeling the heat from other conference rivals.
"We're always on the hunt. That's our mindset," Ryans said during voluntary workouts. "Whatever the outside noise, we stay true to who we are. Outside expectations don't seep into our locker room."
The Texans were all-in this offseason, splashing out $178.5 million in guaranteed money after clinching their first division title in four years. They locked in Pro Bowl talents like Danielle Hunter, Denico Autry, and Azeez Al-Shaair to multi-year deals.
But they didn't stop there. They went all out in free agency, nabbing Joe Mixon from the Bengals and sealing the deal with a three-year extension. And then, they pulled off a trade for Stefon Diggs, adding a seasoned receiver to their arsenal, all while building around a young core.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud is thrilled about Diggs joining the squad, expecting the veteran's wisdom to rub off on the rest of the team. "He's been reaching out to everyone, and I think our receiving corps is going to be top-notch," Stroud said.
Diggs, a six-time 1,000-yard receiver, is playing for a new contract after the Texans restructured his deal. Despite a bit of a slowdown at the end of last season, everyone in the organization believes Diggs has plenty left in the tank.
"He's been an All-Pro, a Pro Bowler, consistently over 1,000 yards," Ryans said. "We're excited to have Diggs on board."
The Texans are building on the momentum of their breakout season with Stroud and Ryans at the helm. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick, bagged Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the league in passing yards per game (237.3) and boasting a stellar touchdown-to-interception ratio (23-5).
Meanwhile, Will Anderson Jr., another rookie, snagged Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, breaking franchise first-year sack records (7.0) and earning a Pro Bowl nod. The additions of Hunter, Diggs, Mixon, and Al-Shaair are expected to take the young duo to even greater heights, at least on paper.
But as Ryans rightly puts it, "Talk is cheap." The Texans know they've got to show up and deliver on the field. It all starts with the grind at NRG Stadium this week.
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