The Texans are expected to make offensive line a priority this offseason, and their efforts could start with re-signing one of their own. GM Nick Caserio told reporters (including Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston) that he expects to have talks with impending free agent lineman Ed Ingram.
A former second-round pick by the Vikings, Ingram was dealt to the Texans for a sixth-round pick last offseason. After serving as a rotational lineman during his final season in Minnesota, he returned to a full-time starter role during the 2025 campaign. He graded out as a middling lineman throughout his tenure with the Vikings, but Ingram finished this season 12th among 80 qualifying guards on Pro Football Focus’ positional rankings.
Considering his lack of track record, Ingram may be behind the likes of guards Isaac Seumalo, David Edwards, Alijah Vera-Tucker in the free agent hierarchy. Still, considering the need for capable linemen, Ingram should expect a significant contract this offseason.
While the Texans may be preparing a run to retain Ingram, they could also look outside the organization for OL help. Tony Pauline of Essentially Sports writes that the team is expected to make a run at center Cade Mays. The former sixth-round pick has spent the majority of his career with the Panthers, starting 27 of his 52 appearances. PFF ranked him 24th among 37 qualifiers for his performance in 2025.
While the Texans offensive line struggled earlier in the 2025 campaign, they found their footing during the final chunk of the regular season. After taking 90 sacks through his first two NFL seasons, quarterback C.J. Stroud finished this past season with only 23 sacks in 14 games.
I wouldn’t overpay for Ingram
I’d spend money on Linderbaum if she’s available and a new #2 behind Collins id offer Noel and our 2027 2nd to Philly for Aj Brown
Center is a much more important fix and I’m not sold on Cade Mays
Ersey LT
Howard LG
New center not Mays
New RG possibly
New RT
With their first round pick id look at Kaden Proctor and putting him at RG and
with the Commanders 2nd id target Monroe Freeling for RT or Isaiah Worlds mammoth T out of Oregon
With their own 2nd rounder id target LT Overton as a third pass rusher behind Hunter and Anderson
With the giants third id target DT Darrel Jackson Jr and with the Texans 3rd id target a LB like Harold Perkins Jr
Yeah, Ingram’s been mostly below average for his career. It’s the reason why Minnesota let him walk and the Texans’ Oline didn’t see much improvement from his addition. Houston is better off finding another player there, hopefully in the draft.
They also need to throw a blank check at someone from Philly Dallas Denver Colts 49ers Bills to come improve the oline schemes and stuff.
If the Ravens are foolish enough to let Linderbaum go (not likely, but anything’s possible), I think that you’re right in that it’d be a huge get for the Texans. That inside run game that Stroud benefitted from to great effect in his rookie year would love an athletic mover at center who can call protections and get to the second level.