The Houston Texans have work to do after falling short, and the roster is one area where they can make the biggest and most immediate impact. That does not have to mean dramatic changes, though.
It could also mean working to keep players in the mix, especially those who have performed above expectations.
That is where Ed Ingram’s future with the Texans gets intriguing.
Ed Ingram Gets Encouraging Forecast About Texans Future
GettyEd Ingram #67 of the Minnesota Vikings.
The Texans have several roster needs to address. Running back and wide receiver are among the positions that could use more resources. Ingram was part of last offseason’s overhaul and has made a strong case for returning.
However, Ingram is a free agent and coming off his four-year, $5.9 million rookie-scale contract.
Nothing is guaranteed at this stage of the offseason, which has started for all but four teams. Still, the Texans are expected to at least show interest in keeping Ingram in the mix.
“The Texans overhauled their offensive line last offseason, and Ingram, who was a disappointment in Minnesota, has performed well while making $3.4 million on the final year of his rookie contract,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on January 22. “It would obviously cost more than that to re-sign him, but it’s unlikely he’ll command a top-of-market guard deal. As Houston looks for offensive line stability, it makes sense for the club to bring him back.”
Ingram, who turns 27 in February, started 14 games at right guard for the Texans during the 2025 regular season. The Texans acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings in a trade during the 2025 offseason.
The Vikings drafted Ingram in the second round, taking him 59th overall in 2022.
He has started 55 of 62 career games played. Moreover, Pro Football Focus gave him by far his highest season-long grade to date for 2025.
Whether or not Ingram returns could come down to a combination of what else the Texans want to do, who else becomes available, and the kind of salary Ingram could command on the open market in free agency.
Spotrac projects his next deal could come in at $38.9 million over three seasons.
That would make Ingram the 18th-highest-paid guard by 2025 standards, while also securing another piece of the front for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Texans Projected to Address OL in 2026 Draft
GettyJalen Milroe #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts with Kadyn Proctor #74 after rushing for a touchdown against the Georgia Bulldogs.
In the same article as Fowler’s insight, Jordan Reid suggested the Texans address their roster deficiency in the draft with Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane, who “has the natural power, lower-body strength and reliability to fortify Stroud’s protection.”
However, colleague Mel Kiper projected the Texans would go in a different direction, selecting Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor. Kiper profiles Proctor as an option at guard or tackle in the NFL.
Ultimately, Kiper agreed “there wasn’t enough improvement” after the Texans’ work last spring.
“The unit was still 30th in pass block win rate at 55.5%, though the sack count dropped from 54 (tied for third most) to 31 (tied for ninth fewest),” Kiper wrote on January 21. “There’s also the matter of the entire right side being unsigned for 2026. Proctor had all 40 of his career starts at left tackle (where Aireontae Ersery was this season), but he could slide to right tackle or even inside to guard. The bigger priority is getting capable blockers in front of C.J. Stroud.”
The Texans did not settle on right tackle Trent Brown until mid-way through the season, and the 6-foot-7, 366-pound Proctor could make a fitting replacement for the veteran, who checks in at 6-foot-8 and 380 pounds.
For all of the work the Texans can and will do to address their roster this offseason, they must continue to bolster their trenches. That is true on both sides of the ball.
Former Vikings Draft Pick ‘Makes Sense’ for Texans After Breakout