The Houston Texans could take another step toward title contention in 2024.
Rostering the NFL’s most significant advantage, a star quarterback on a rookie contract, the Texans have stockpiled their roster with several major offseason acquisitions. After jumping from three wins to 10 behind C.J. Stroud and DeMeco Ryans, they might be even better next season.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Mike Clay ranked Houston as the NFL team that has improved the most this offseason.
The Texans bolstered their pass rush with two major free-agent signings. They landed Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry, who combined for 28 sacks last season.
General manager Nick Caserio also fortified the defense by signing cornerback Jeff Okudah, linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, and defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi. Houston replaced Devin Singletary, who signed with the New York Giants, by acquiring Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Texans also retained Dalton Schultz, Desmond King, Eric Murray, and Khalil Davis.
Clay ranked Houston’s AFC South rival, the Jacksonville Jaguars, second. Despite losing Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans after ESPN posted this list, they signed wide receivers Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay and bolstered their secondary with Darnell Savage and Ronald Darby.
A frenzy of moves puts the Washington Commanders at No. 3. They have used their considerable cap space to sign 15 players, including Austin Ekeler, Zach Ertz, Tyler Biadasz, Bobby Wagner, and Frankie Luvu.
On the other hand, the Atlanta Falcons rank No. 4 on the strength of one major signing. Following three straight 7-10 seasons with shaky quarterback play, Kirk Cousins joins Atlanta on a lucrative four-year deal.