The Houston Texans’ roster is one of the best in the NFL under head coach DeMeco Ryans, particularly on their defense, as evidenced by players like second-year defensive tackle Junior Tafuna landing on his feet in short order after losing his spot.
Tafuna will remain in the AFC, albeit with a club whose outlook is nearly a polar opposite of the Texans’ for the 2026 season.
Nevertheless, his time on the open market was short-lived.
Ex-Texans DT Junior Tafuna Joins Jets
GettyThe Texans’ recent moves have squeezed Junior Tafuna off the roster.
“#Jets awarded Junior Tafuna off waivers from #Texans,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on August 6.
Tafuna, 25, has yet to appear in a regular-season contest. However, he did play in all three of the Texans’ preseason contests last season. Tafuna finished the exhibition slate with 4 pressures and 3 total tackles. He joins a Jets team that tied for the worst record in the NFL last season.
The Texans drafted Kayden McDonald in April.
That is in addition to re-signing Mario Edwards Jr. and adding Logan Hall in free agency this offseason to play a hybrid outside-inside role.
The Texans have been a soft landing spot for players who failed to stick in other places, but Tafuna has an opportunity to do the opposite in New York. He still has plenty of time left in training camp to make an impression.
The Texans are still deep at DT.
Starter Sheldon Rankins and potential 2026 running mate Tommy Togiai are both back after strong 2025 seasons.
Texans Shaking Things Up in Training Camp
GettyNick Caserio has been active with th Texans’ roster.
While many teams prefer to take their first couple of weeks in camp to evaluate their roster, Ryans and Texans general manager Nick Caserio are not averse to making changes, having made several already.
They also signed linebacker Sione Takitaki amid injuries to E.J. Speed and special teams ace Jake Hansen.
At some point, though, the Texans will need to let their group settle in and develop chemistry.
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