3 Players the Texans Won't Be Able to Keep This Offseason

The Houston Texans are one of the more difficult teams to assess year after year. In an AFC South division that they have won four out of the last five years, it is odd they still don't seem solidified at the margins heading in to the 2020 season (and almost never do). Bill O'Brien was officially handed the General Manager role a little bit after the conclusion of the season, and he will have some task ahead of him in replacing these three players they won't be able to keep.

3. Carlos Hyde

Carlos Hyde was an excellent replacement after Lamar Miller went down with a torn ACL. / Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images

The running back market will be an interesting one to keep an eye on, and Carlos Hyde, along with Lamar Miller, have decided they would like to test their worth. As it can be difficult to secure a high-value contract as a running back, don't be surprised if Hyde has no interest in returning at Houston's price. While not an extreme priority in a modern NFL offense, the running back position is a way to keep pressure off of Deshaun Watson, so figuring out who can grab key yards should be strongly considered by the Texans front office.

2. D.J. Reader

D.J. was ranked seventh for 2019 interior linemen with an 85.5 rating by Pro Football Focus. / Bob Levey/Getty Images

Before scoffing at the idea of losing a defensive tackle being THAT impactful, you need to understand the role Reader had. He needed to take on double teams, free up space for JJ Watt, and shut down the rushing attack to get the opposing offense into difficult passing situations. As a top-10-ranked interior lineman, it won't be easy to replicate his services. O'Brien would wise to take extra care with his search for Reader's replacement. He's not just a run-stuffer.

1. Johnathan Joseph

Johnathan Joseph is the franchise leader in interceptions for the Houston Texans. / Mark Brown/Getty Images

Starting it right off is arguably the most important player in the franchise's history who is not named JJ Watt. After his contract expired, and with Joseph approaching the twilight of his career at age 35, it became clear that the aging star corner would not be in the team's plan for the 2020 season. Now Bill O'Brien must find a corner on the market with both the skill and veteran presence to lead the secondary.