The Houston Texans are celebrating, despite their 2025 season unfortunately ending in the Divisional Playoffs against the New England Patriots, following good news about some of their top players.
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., defensive end Will Anderson Jr., and wide receiver Nico Collins all drew noteworthy recognition.
Fittingly, the Texans promoted the developments for their Pro Bowl trio.
Texans Send Message After Good News on Pro Bowl Playmakers
GettyDerek Stingley Jr. #24 of the Houston Texans looks on against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Texans shared a post on X on January 23 that said, “Our PFWA Award winners [rock on emoji],” featuring images of Anderson, Collins, and Stingley.
All three players earned spots at their respective positions on the Pro Football Writers of America All-AFC team. Anderson and Stingley added PFWA All-NFL honors to their list of accomplishments for the 2025 regular season.
Anderson, who is also up for the AP Defensive Player of the Year, logged 12.0 sacks in 2025.
Stingley recorded 4-plus interceptions for the third straight season, tallying his first defensive touchdown and forced fumble of his career.
Collins recorded his third straight season with over 65 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and 6-plus TD receptions, all despite missing multiple games for the fifth consecutive season. Collins has only been in the league for five years.
All three players were Pro Bowlers, too.
Again, Anderson and Stingley earned additional honors by making the AP All-Pro First Team this season.
The Texans have already given new contracts to Collins (three years, $72.7 million) and Stingley (three years, $90 million), and they could soon address Anderson’s situation as he becomes extension-eligible this offseason.
The Texans must carefully plan their next set of roster moves.
Texans Roster Facing Salary Cap Crunch
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 of the Houston Texans reacts after a game against the Buffalo Bills.
ESPN projected the Texans will be over the 2026 salary cap by $8.2 million. Over The Cap projects a $14.2 million deficit. In either case, the Texans will need to get in compliance before they can even begin to worry about adding to their roster.
The Texans have eight picks in the 2026 draft, though that number could change in either direction before and during the event.
There is also the matter of players already tracking toward free agency this offseason.
Anderson is due for a raise, and the Texans could also look to extend quarterback C.J. Stroud, who was selected one slot ahead of Anderson in the 2023 draft. Stroud inarguably plays the game’s most important position.
Anderson’s production–and the accolades that have come with it–could make the decision on his future easier, at least from the Texans’ standpoint.
The Texans have done well to build out the core of their roster through the draft.
It has yielded three straight seasons of postseason appearances. Continuing to do that will be paramount as their success stories age out of their rookie deals and the most important players on the roster become expensive, something that Collins and Stingley have already done.
The Texans are also looking to take the next step after losing in the Divisional Round for the third straight season.
The awards reflect well on the Texans’ roster, but are also a reminder that the clock is ticking.
Texans Deliver Fitting Message Amid Good News on Playmaking Trio