Fix the Trenches or Fail? Texans’ #1 Offseason Priority | Linderbaum, Teven Jenkins & 2026 FA Plan
The message is loud. The numbers are louder. If the Houston Texans want to take the next step, there’s only one true priority heading into 2026 free agency: getting better up front. The Texans’ run game in 2025 told the whole story: 29th in rushing success rate 25th in yards before contact per rush 27th in stuff rate But here’s the number that should stop everyone in their tracks 👇 1.9 rushing yards in the red zone 0.9 yards inside the opponent’s 10-yard line That’s not play-calling. That’s not the quarterback. That’s a trenches problem. In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down why Houston MUST invest in the interior offensive line—and which players can actually fix it. 🔹 Centers who could unlock the playbook: Tyler Linderbaum Cade Mays Both instantly upgrade the line, solve Houston’s short-yardage issues, and bring experience blocking for 1,000-yard rushers. Even better? They give Houston flexibility to expand its run scheme and stop being predictable in critical moments. 🔹 Guards Houston should target: Teven Jenkins – the biggest upside-to-value play on the market Strong anchor in pass protection Physical, powerful run blocker Interior versatility Projected $8–$12M in free agency (serious talent for the price) David Edwards Alijah Vera-Tucker The real debate? How can Houston land one of these guys without blowing up the cap? We break down the money, the strategy, and the backup plans that keep Houston flexible while fixing its biggest flaw. This is the offseason conversation that matters. Fix the front… or relive the same red-zone failures.
Locked On Texans - Daily Podcast On The Houston Texans
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Show Notes
The message is loud. The numbers are louder.
If the Houston Texans want to take the next step, there’s only one true priority heading into 2026 free agency: getting better up front.
The Texans’ run game in 2025 told the whole story:
29th in rushing success rate
25th in yards before contact per rush
27th in stuff rate
But here’s the number that should stop everyone in their tracks 👇
1.9 rushing yards in the red zone
0.9 yards inside the opponent’s 10-yard line
That’s not play-calling. That’s not the quarterback.
That’s a trenches problem.
In this episode of Locked On Texans, we break down why Houston MUST invest in the interior offensive line—and which players can actually fix it.
🔹 Centers who could unlock the playbook:
Tyler Linderbaum
Cade Mays
Both instantly upgrade the line, solve Houston’s short-yardage issues, and bring experience blocking for 1,000-yard rushers. Even better? They give Houston flexibility to expand its run scheme and stop being predictable in critical moments.
🔹 Guards Houston should target:
Teven Jenkins – the biggest upside-to-value play on the market
Strong anchor in pass protection
Physical, powerful run blocker
Interior versatility
Projected $8–$12M in free agency (serious talent for the price)
David Edwards
Alijah Vera-Tucker
The real debate? How can Houston land one of these guys without blowing up the cap?
We break down the money, the strategy, and the backup plans that keep Houston flexible while fixing its biggest flaw.
This is the offseason conversation that matters.
Fix the front… or relive the same red-zone failures.
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