Hey everyone, TC here,
The Houston Texans have an interesting (in a good way) scenario developing with their offensive line room for the upcoming 2026 offseason. Yes, we are months away from the following offseason, but I wanted to bring this topic to your attention so we can monitor player performance for the remainder of the 2025 season.
In today’s Cap & Trade Newsletter, I break down each player’s performance, market outlook, and how their decisions intersect within Houston’s broader cap strategy.
There are two players to focus on: RG Ed Ingram and RT Tytus Howard. I will examine each player individually and then, at the end, tie this all together to lay out the team’s options for the future.
Note: PFF grades are referenced as data points. I am not endorsing player grades as an all-encompassing metric, but rather another data point to the entire evaluation puzzle. Sports Info Solutions data is also referenced.
Right Guard - Ed Ingram
Ed Ingram has been one of the bright spots on the revamped offensive line 5 weeks into the season. Ingram was acquired via trade in March 2025 for a future 6th-round pick from the Minnesota Vikings. Coming from a zone-type scheme to Houston’s new power gap scheme has made Ingram the primary beneficiary. Houston was able to identify Ingram’s skill set as a player who would excel in Houston.
EVP and GM Nick Caserio on Ed Ingram through 5 weeks:
“Ed has done a pretty good job. He has played really good football. Sometimes a change of scenery is good for everybody involved in that situation. He’s played good football. He is one of the top-ranked guards in the league, something ridiculous. I’m not saying he is the best guard in the league. He has played good football.”
Yes, Caserio was indeed referencing PFF grading, but PFF grading is not a significant data point used in Houston's decision-making. The team has its own internal system for generating player value measured against the rest of the league.
Ingram has become one of the premier interior run blockers, while also maintaining above-average pass-blocking skills. Based on five weeks of game film, it is clear Ingram excels in a power gap scheme. Ingram is evidence that sometimes a player can excel in specific schemes but struggle in others.
Below are a few performance metrics from ProFootball Focus and Sports Info Solutions.
Ingram is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March 2026. With his performance trending in the right direction, there is zero reason for Ingram to accept any extension offer from Houston.
The league may not value Ingram as someone who should be paid as a top-tier offensive guard. Free agency is an unpredictable beast. During the 2025 free agency period, teams paid upper market value for Aaron Banks ($19.25m APY), Will Fries ($17.54m), Joe Thuney ($17.5m). Robert Hunt secured a $20.0m APY during the 2024 free agency period. Letting Ingram depart in free agency on the basis of compensatory pick acquisition should not be part of the equation. Houston will offset Ingram’s contract with other free agency signings in 2026.
I need more playtime and evidence to support Ingram receiving a contract in excess of $18.0 million per year. The arrow is pointing in the right direction for Ingram to force a critical decision for Houston.
Below are a few clips of Ingram’s work in 2025:
Right Tackle - Tytus Howard
Now shifting over to right tackle (pun intended) the Houston Texans have 7th year veteran Tytus Howard. Howard has had a tulmuteous career in Houston marred by multiple positions across the offensive line over the past 6 seasons, including one game in 2025 at right guard.
Howard is a true offensive tackle and that’s where he is at his best. His performance could be viewed as polar opposite of Ed Ingram in that Howard is a much better pass blocker than he is as a run blocker.
Tytus has also grown as one of the team leaders, not only in the offensive line room, but within the entire team lockeroom. Howard is the second longest tenured player in the organization behind kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn.
HC DeMeco Ryans on Tytus Howard through 5 weeks:
“But there’s a lot of good that’s been going on with our offensive line. I highlight that in our team meetings, and Tytus Howard is one of the guys who’s been consistent. That’s what offensive line play is about. It’s about playing consistent. It’s about playing within yourself, not getting overextended but doing your job, down in and down out without a lot of glory, without a lot of pats on the back. It’s a very selfless position. He’s done a really great job throughout this year so far. He’s improved. He’s done a great job of anchoring the right side for us and I’m very proud of him, not only for his play, but Tytus has also grown as a leader. Seeing him become more vocal, communicating amongst the offensive linemen. That’s what I’m most proud of with Tytus, besides the play. It’s how he’s grown into that leadership role and that’s what we needed from him.”
The upcoming decision issue for Houston is how should the team manage Howard’s contract situation in 2026. Below is Howard’s salary cap table from Overthecap.
Howard’s $27.94m cap charge in 2026 is less than favorable, accounting for over 9% of the team’s salary cap (projected). The team has a few options:
Complete another basic restructure by converting a portion of Howard’s base salary to a signing bonus. Creating over $12 million in cap space for 2026. However this would push over $16 million into 2027 leaving a dead money charge of nearly $20 million after the contract voids in February 2027.
Release Howard outright. This creates $23.7 million cap savings for 2026. However this creates a big hole at the right tackle spot. I do not believe the Texans have faith in second year tackle Blake Fisher to fill that role. This option seems like the least likely (currently).
Extend Howard with a 2 or 3 year contract extension. With the market explosion at the offensive tackle position, and the salary cap leverage Howard would have; all creates a difficult situation for Houston. Howard would likely be looking for in excess of $20 million per year on a new deal. Houston has two factors in their favor: Howard turning 30 years of age, and Howard’s inconsistent play over the past few years. Perhaps a 2 year contract extension (3 years in total through 2028) worth $39.0 million in new money ($19.5 million APY) with $37.5 million in total guarantees would get the deal done. This contract would also create $12.0 million in cap space for 2026. Howard was due $18.0 million in 2026, this extension would give him a $4.0 million raise for the 2026 league year in terms of cash.
Summary
Both Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans potentially have two difficult decisions ahead in how to handle the contracts of Ed Ingram and Tytus Howard. For once it is a good problem to have for the team.
For now, let’s continue to monitor each player’s performance the team’s evolution for the remainder of the 2025 season. After the season is over, I will circle back to this newsletter article to follow up a decision.
Let me know in the comments below how you would handle the contract situationf for each player.
Thanks for reading!
-TC