Finding a promising starter on a value contract in a year where the salary cap isn’t kind is simply smart business for the Houston Texans under general manager Nick Caserio.
Houston is all about saving money while adding premier talent in free agency.
That’s what Pro Football Focus has named the Texans’ doing in their latest article entering next week’s NFL Combine. When poised with the question of who is Houston’s “dream free agent,” PFF made sure to consider an underwhelming salary cap entering the legal tampering period.
For Houston, Arizona’s Will Hernandez is the top option to serve as the new starting guard for the 2025 season. After helping Kyler Murray return to Pro Bowl form last season, the former second-round pick should be a welcomed addition to the interior of the Texans’ offensive line.
“A need on the offensive line will have to be addressed after the Texans allowed the most interior sacks (26) in the NFL this past season,” PFF wrote. “Hernandez, who went down early in 2024 with a knee injury, profiles as a cost-effective veteran with a high floor in pass protection.”
Over his three seasons with the Cardinals, Hernandez posted a PFF grade of 74.2 or higher in pass protection. He allowed six total pressures and wasn’t credited with allowing a sack.
The trade-off? His run blocking has been hit-or-miss. In 2023, he posted a career-low 61.1 run-blocking grade. The following season, he posted a 66.6 in just five starts.
The Texans are looking for effective players, both in production and cost. Hernandez fits both needs without forcing Houston to skip out on drafting an interior lineman with one of its first three picks.
Expect Hernandez to be on a shortlist of names the Texans consider signing next month before free agency gets hectic.