The Houston Texans continue to lock up their 2026 draft class, but their latest wave of signings has cost veteran Xavier Thomas his spot on the roster.
Thomas joined the Texans just last season, but he is already on his way out. Moreover, it could be some time before he can audition for another team, based solely on the type of roster move the Texans made regarding his future.
He may not be the last one on the chopping block, either.
Texans Cut EDGE Xavier Thomas
GettyXavier Thomas had a short, uneventful tenure with the Houston Texans.
The Texans announced on their official website on May 13 that they “waived-injured” Thomas, the 138th overall pick of the 2024 draft. Thomas, 26, did not appear in any games for the Texans last season.
He began his career with the Arizona Cardinals.
Thomas has recorded 10 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, and 1 forced fumble in his career so far.
“A high-cut, leggy rusher, Thomas affects the backfield with his get-off quickness and pursuit effort (just 3.5 sacks in 2023 but led Clemson with 43 pressures). However, he can be neutralized once engaged and must improve his pad level mid-rush and at the point of attack,” The Athletic’s Dane Brugler wrote in Thomas’ post-draft profile.
“Overall, Thomas is a “flash” pass rusher who plays with energetic feet and hands, but his body of work runs hot and cold as both a pass rusher and run defender. He has the talent to earn a subpackage pass-rushing role in the NFL — and still offers upside if he stays locked in.”
The Texans signed Thomas in December 2025, just under one week after the Cardinals cut ties.
They finished the season tied for the sixth-most sacks while posting the 13th-lowest pressure rate during the 2025 regular season, per Pro Football Reference.
The Texans’ defense could be even more imposing if they can up their pressure rate in 2026. It could be their improvements on offense that have the necessary ripple effect. A more consistently effective offense should lead to a well-rested defense.
That means the Texans can unleash their waves of pass rushers, sans Thomas.
They still have top EDGE rushers Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr. leading the way. They also have newcomer Logan Hall, whom they signed in free agency this offseason.
Texans Sign Three More Draft Picks
GettyWade Woodaz was among the latest Houston Texans draft picks to sign their rookie contract.
While they moved on from Thomas, the Texans announced that they reached contract agreements with three more draft picks on Wednesday. Linebacker Wade Woodaz, safety Kamari Ramsey, and wide receiver Lewis Bond all signed.
The news follows an announcement on Tuesday that the Texans signed linebacker Aiden Fisher and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.
That leaves just three prospects from the Texans’ eight-player class unsigned.
First-round pick Keylan Rutledge at guard, second-round pick Marlin Klein at tight end, and fourth-rounder Febechi Nwaiwu. The delay is more of a matter of when and not if, since rookie contracts in the NFL are slotted.
Rutledge is due a four-year, $19.3 million pact. Klein gets a deal worth $8.2 million over four years. Nwaiwu will receive a four-year, $5.5 million deal, per Spotrac.
Texans Sever Ties With Pass Rusher Behind Danielle Hunter & Will Anderson Jr.