The Houston Texans are still looking at who can help them put together the best roster possible for the 2026 season. Alexander Mattison and Hassan Haskins are two of the options the Texans are currently considering.
That is in addition to the Texans’ interest in Super Bowl champion Montrell Washington.
Also included in this search is defensive lineman Evan Anderson, underscoring just how wide of a net the team cast.
Texans Bring Alexander Mattison, Hassan Haskins, 2 Others in for Closer Look
GettyHassan Haskins is looking for a new NFL home.
Heavy Sports Texans delved into what Washington brings to the table, but Mattison, Haskins, and the others all could provide something useful for the Texans.
“The Houston Texans tried out veteran running backs Hassan Haskins and Alexander Mattison, according to the NFL Daily Transactions,” Houston Football’s Cody Stoots reported in a post on X on July 30.
“They also tried out WR Montrell Washington and DT Evan Anderson.”
Mattison, 28, was a third-round pick (No. 102 overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019. The Tennessee Titans selected Haskins, who turns 27 in November, 131st overall in 2022.
Anderson, 24, is a former undrafted free agent who was with the San Francisco 49ers.
Notably, the Texans made significant changes at all three position groups of the players they brought in during the 2026 offseason. However, the NFL is often a battle of attrition. Having a well-stocked cupboard can be as impactful as having top-tier talent in some cases.
Texans Look at RB Options
GettyAlexander Mattison has rushed for over 2,700 yards in his career.
Mattison has rushed for 2,790 yards and 15 touchdowns on 716 carries in his career, which he has split between the Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins.
Haskins has a 76-229-2 career line. He spent 2024 and 2025 with the Los Angeles Chargers.
At 6-foot-2 and 220-plus pounds, he would certainly bring a different dynamic than what the Texans currently have, while Mattison (5-foot-11 and roughly 220 pounds) is built similarly to new Texans starting RB David Montgomery.
Mattison has started 26 of his 89 career games, while Haskins has logged one start in his 44 total appearances as a pro.
Texans Eye Run-Stuffer
GettyThe Texans’ interest in Evan Anderson could have implications for Kayden McDonald.
Anderson is an interesting player to catch the Texans’ eye. At 6-foot-3 and over 320 pounds, he profiles similarly to Texans rookie second-round draft pick Kayden McDonald.
The Texans eyeing Anderson could bode well for McDonald’s chances to have a significant role in the defense right out of the gates. Anderson is a backup-level player, and the Texans do not have anyone else built like him or McDonald on the roster currently.
Houston has starter Sheldon Rankins and coaching staff darling Tommy Togiai.
Togiai started six games last season, but that is by no means a commanding claim to the other starting DT spot on the Texans’ vaunted defense.
McDonald’s (and Anderson’s) unique build relative to the rest of the Texans’ interior defensive linemen could be a separating factor if the decision between him and Togiai is neck and neck when the season begins.
The Texans also have DT/defensive end Logan Hall.
Again, he does not have the mass that McDonald or Anderson do. That is encouraging for McDonald’s playing time outlook and Anderson’s chances to get an opportunity.
Texans Eye 2,700-Yard Former Vikings Running Back, 2 Others