Following NFL meetings at the Arizona Biltmore, Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair shared their positive outlook on the team’s current state and future prospects. The Texans have reached the playoffs in three consecutive seasons, falling in the AFC Divisional Round each time, and are focused on taking the next step.

Roster Improvements and Offseason Spending

The Texans didn’t simply maintain the status quo after their playoff loss to the New England Patriots. They actively sought to upgrade key positions, particularly the offensive line and running game. This involved significant financial investments in both free agent acquisitions and retaining existing talent.

Key Player Additions

  • Offensive Line: Ed Ingram (3-year, $37.5M), Braden Smith (2-year, $25M), Wyatt Teller (2-year, $23M)
  • Running Back: David Montgomery (2-year, $16.5M)
  • Safety: Reed Blankenship (3-year, $24.75M)
  • Defensive Line: Logan Hall (2-year, $13.75M, $9M guaranteed)
  • Kicker: Ka’imi Fairbairn (highest paid in NFL, $6.5M annually)
  • Edge Rusher: Danielle Hunter (40.1M extension)
  • Tight End: Dalton Schultz (1-year, $12.6M)
  • Defensive Tackle: Sheldon Rankins (2-year, $17M)

“This was been a fun part with the free agency and getting a few of our guys signed back,” said Texans principal owner, chairman and CEO Cal McNair. “I think bringing in some guys with some toughness and attitudes…hopefully, they did that. Adding the running back, the safety, and some of those key areas are really going to help us moving forward.”

Focus on Player Evaluation and Draft Strategy

The Texans are committed to a strategy of retaining core players while strategically adding key pieces through free agency and the NFL Draft. They aim to select the “best player” available in the draft to continue building a competitive roster.

Team Culture and DeMeco Ryans’ Vision

Texans chief community officer Hannah McNair emphasized the importance of team culture, noting that head coach DeMeco Ryans seeks players who embody a strong work ethic and a “swarm mentality.”

Coach Ryans expressed his enthusiasm for the acquisition of running back David Montgomery, stating, “I’m excited to work with him. First meeting him, he’s all football. He’s serious. He’s locked in.”

Recent Success and Playoff Run

The Texans finished the 2023 regular season with a 12-5 record, including a remarkable nine-game winning streak after an 0-3 start. They secured a wild-card playoff spot and won their first road playoff game in franchise history.

“We won a lot of games in a row, which were awesome,” Cal McNair said. “We came back against Jacksonville in that game to start us on that streak. So, there were a lot of good things, too. That shouldn’t get lost in the shuffle.”

The Toro District: A New Team Headquarters

The Texans are planning a state-of-the-art training facility and team headquarters, known as the Toro District, across 22 acres within an 83-acre sports and entertainment complex in Bridgeland, Northwest Harris County. Groundbreaking is planned for this year, with completion expected in the summer of 2029.

“It’s exciting, but we’ve been looking at this for quite some time,” Hannah McNair said. “We knew what we needed…We’ve been there [NRG Stadium] a long time. We ran into a lot of roadblocks while we’re there because we are the tenant.”

Hannah McNair’s Expanded Role

Hannah McNair has been named the Texans’ chief community officer, in addition to her existing role as vice president of the Texans Foundation. Her leadership has been instrumental in the development of the Toro District and the team’s community initiatives, including the successful girls flag football program.

Cal McNair added, “It’s more of a reflection that the outside folks can look and see how much we value her and how much that function means to us.”

Looking Ahead to the 25th Season

The Texans will celebrate their 25th season in the NFL in 2024 and will debut a new Nike Rivalries uniform as part of a league-wide initiative. The team is focused on honoring its history while continuing to build a bright future.