Championship Mentality: Which Super Bowl Players Could Texans Target In Free Agency?
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Sometimes stealing a play or two from a championship roster could be the reason a team walks away with a win.
What about a player or two instead?
The Houston Texans could be looking to bring that championship pedigree over to NRG Stadium in 2024 following an AFC South title, and both the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to lose a slew of players following Super Bowl LVIII.
Some free agents will cost the Texans a pretty penny but could be the reason they make it to their first AFC Championship in franchise. Others could be bargain-finds that end up building up the culture internally toward a championship pedigree.
Who are the top Chiefs and 49ers players Houston could target in free agency? Let's dive into the potential targets.
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Chris Jones, DT, Chiefs
Jones is a future Hall of Famer simply waiting five years after his retirement to enter Canton. He's one of the top names on the market after posting another 10-plus sack season en route to winning his third Lombardi Trophy.
To add Jones would be costly. Houston, who enters the offseason with the third-most cap space, would likely put most of its eggs in Jones' basket while making a few under-the-radar signings.
Houston has been linked to several defensive tackle prospects in the upcoming draft, emphasizing the need to bolster the defensive line. Should Sheldon Rankins walk after a promising campaign, Nick Caserio should at least make a phone call to Jones' camp to see what's his going rate on the market.
L'Jarius Sneed, CB, Chiefs
Cornerback remains another need for the Texans with Steven Nelson set to hit the open field. He was a reliable No. 2 option over his two seasons, but the Texans could be looking for a younger option opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
Few corners were as consistent as Sneed over the past two seasons, who racked up five interceptions and 25 pass breakups while helping the Chiefs win back-to-back titles. The 27-year-old won't be taking a discount and could command over $17 million in annual salary.
The Texans could look to bring in Nelson's replacement with their first-round pick. They also could be aggressive and target Sneed, especially with a majority of the core players still being on rookie contracts.
Javon Kinlaw, DT, 49ers
If Houston is looking for a cheaper replacement for Rankins, Kinlaw should be at the top of the list. He already has a relationship with Texans coach DeMeco Ryans from his time in the bay and understands the defensive personnel.
Injuries hindered Kinlaw's success during his time with the 49ers. He rebounded in 2023, helping San Francisco finish with a top-three scoring defense on the way to another Super Bowl appearance.
Kinlaw could be looking for a prove-it deal to show he can remain on the field. Much like Rankins in 2023, Ryans' defense could offer a similar outlook in 2024.
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Chase Young, DE, 49ers
Fans wanted Houston to trade for Young at the deadline in October, but the 49ers offered more to secure the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Out west, Young proved he still can live up to the hype of a game-changing defensive end after meeting his rookie sack total of 7.5.
The Texans are at a crossroads with veteran Jonathan Greenard. They could ink him to a multi-year extension after a breakout year with 12.5 sacks, but the asking price will be near an annual salary of $17 million plus.
If Houston doesn't want to commit that much to Greenard, signing Young on a one-year deal while drafting another pass rusher might be the best consolation prize. Much like Kinlaw, Young could be looking for a prove-it deal and cash in next offseason if he succeeds.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, Chiefs
Running back concerns still present a problem for Houston with Devin Singletary and Dare Ogunbowale hitting free agency. Dameon Pierce, who led the Texans in rushing as a rookie, regressed in Bobby Slowik's offense, averaging a career-low 2.9 yards per attempt.
Edwards-Helaire was relegated to backup duties late last season but offers value as a pass-catching specialist. Last season, the former first-round pick averaged 11.1 yards per catch on 22 receptions.
Until proven others, Edwards-Helaire should be considered a backup, but he'd offer value as another target for C.J. Stroud in the passing game. His addition also alleviates pressure on Houston to select a running back during the first three rounds of a draft that doesn't feature a bonafide RB1.
Mecole Hardman, WR, Chiefs
Nico Collins and Tank Dell are locked into starting roles after promising seasons. What about the third receiver role? Will Houston trust that John Metchie III is ready for a grander role? Could the Texans turn to the draft and add a name in the mid-rounds like Dell last April?
Hardman, who secured the game-winning touchdown in overtime, has shown his inconsistencies outside of Kansas City. After a failed experiment with the New York Jets, he returned to Arrowhead and proved to be a valuable asset to the passing game on the biggest stage.
The Texans don't need to add in a premier pass-catcher this offseason. Depth with starting experience, however, is warranted. Adding in Hardman kills two birds with one stone.
Willie Gay, LB, Chiefs
Denzel Perryman and Blake Cashman are set to hit the market. Cashman could return, but he also wants to cash in after setting career-highs in tackles and sacks.
Gay, who started four years with Kansas City, already made it clear he's likely leaving at the end of the season, and was a consistent WILL backer. Christian Harris broke out big last season in the same spot, so Gay would have to shift to the MIKE role.
Would it work? Maybe, but in a weak linebacker class and a glaring hole starting back at the franchise, Houston must consider every option. Gay, who's missed 10 games in three years, would likely be a cost-friendly option on a multi-year deal.
