Prospects fall through the cracks of the pre-draft process every year, and the Houston Texans added a prime example to their roster with the official start to the 2026 offseason, which begins on March 11, rapidly approaching.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio expressed confidence in the Texans’ group of returning players. However, he also left the door open for potential offseason trades, just like last spring.
Their latest addition could ensure they have sufficiently covered their bases in that regard.
Texans Add Former Bill, Jets Specialist
GettyBrandon Codrington #29 of the Buffalo Bills warms up before a game.
KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on February 4 that the Texans were hosting Brandon Codrington for a visit. The reporter updated the interaction to a new deal for the 24-year-old defensive back by trade.
Codrington confirmed the news, posting “New Beginnings [rock on/bull horns emoji]” on his Instagram story.
Codrington was undrafted out of North Carolina Central, an HBCU.
However, he has already made his mark in two NFL seasons. He was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team for his work as a returner, averaging 11.6 yards on punts and 27.8 yards on kick returns with the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
After appearing in all 17 regular-season games for the Bills in 2024, Codrington played in four contests in 2025. He has also not provided much as a cornerback.
Still, he could be a hedge for the Texans as they work through plans for their roster.
“We went through a lot of returners in the spring,” Bills GM Brandon Beane said of trading with the AFC East-rival New York Jets for Codrington in August 2024, per Buffalo Bills On SI’s Ralph Ventre. “Some guys did it a lot. Some guys played at big schools. In this case, some guys played at small schools. You’re looking at a lot different things. You’re trying to make the best decision you can.”
The Texans ranked 14th in yards per kick return and 15th in yards per punt, even after selecting speedy wide receiver Jaylin Noel in the third round of the 2025 draft. Noel could play a larger role on offense in 2026, so replacing him in the return game makes even more sense.
Texans Leaving Door Open for Trade
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is seen before a game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Caserio noted that they have a “great program” that they are “proud of,” which he said before the season and still feels following its conclusion. Caserio is also “excited” about getting to work on their 2026 group.
He spoke about the shift in mindset from being “need-based” when acquiring players during the season and having to also project long-term factors during the offseason.
Free agency “Step 1,” the draft “Step 2,” and Caserio suggested he expects to make trades.
“We’ve got what, eight–call it eight picks. I’m sure that number will change, but let’s call it eight draft picks,” Caserio told reporters in January in his answer about building out the roster during the offseason rather than supplementing it in-season.
Even a flier like Codrington provides an option that affords Caserio greater flexibility with the Texans’ roster and draft assets.
If he sticks, the Texans could also get a boost to their return game next season.
Head-Turning Former Bills Playmaker Reacts After Joining Texans