Texans' 3 best options to replace Jayden Higgins via trade or free agency

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Texans' 3 best options to replace Jayden Higgins via trade or free agency

Bailey Bassett, ClutchPoints · ClutchPoints

Thu, Aug 20, 2026 ·

4 min read

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The injury bug has prevented the Houston Texans ' passing attack from reaching its fullest potential. C.J. Stroud burst onto the scene as a rookie, even leading the league in both touchdown-to-interception ratio and passing yards per game, something that only Joe Montana and Tom Brady had done before. He quickly gained chemistry with players such as Nico Collins and Tank Dell, but unfortunately Stroud's numbers and the offense as a whole have regressed over the last two seasons.

Dell missed all of last season because of a gruesome knee injury , and in recent years Collins has dealt with injury woes himself. Even Stefon Diggs had a serious injury during his Texans stint. Most recently, though, Jayden Higgins tore his ACL . The second-year receiver was primed for a breakout campaign, but he will instead be sidelined all season long.

All hope isn't lost, though. The Texans have a dominant defensive unit to lean on, and there are some available pass catchers that Houston could still get their hands on. So, with Higgins hurt, which receivers should the Texans target?

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3. Tyreek Hill

Tyreek Hill isn't an immediate fix for the Texans' newfound receiver depth issue. He is rehabbing a serious injury in his own right, and it is unclear when he will be able to return to the field. In fact, it wouldn't be a shock if the NFL's fastest player missed the entire season.

If injury news regarding Hill takes a turn for the better, though, he'd be considered by far the best player left on the open market, regardless of position. Assuming full health from Hill, he would be a perfect fit in Houston. The Texans are loaded with big possession receivers, such as the 6-foot-4 Collins and 6-foot-3 Xavier Hutchinson. Hill would bring a different archetype to Houston, one of a shorter receiver who excels deep down the field because of his unmatched speed.

Of course, the NFL's former best receiver is more than just a burner, though. His route-running prowess and sure-handedness have long been undervalued. If anyone can help Stroud reach his potential, it would be Hill. He'd be an obvious fit for the Texans if it wasn't for the injury, but as Hill's knee progresses, look for the Texans to potentially sign him.

2. Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel has never been a top receiving option, but the Texans wouldn't need him to be. He is a solid veteran role player who has made an impact at numerous stops around the NFL. While last season was a career low point for Samuel because of an elbow injury, the receiver with 355 receptions and 3,717 yards over his career likely still has something left in the tank.

A lot of the players still on the open market are either in the twilight of their careers, have injury issues, or have seen their play regress significantly in recent years. Samuel only recently turned 30 years old, though, and he is fully recovered from his health issues of last year.

As a simple depth piece, Samuel would be a perfect fit for the Texans. The regular season is just a couple of weeks away, and Samuel is plenty familiar with learning a new system and thriving in it.

1. DeAndre Hopkins

The two best players in Texans' history are clear. J.J. Watt is one of three three-time Defensive Player of the Year winners ever, and Andre Johnson is the franchise leader in receptions (1,012), receiving yards (13,597), and receiving touchdowns (64). The next best Texans' player ever has a large lead on fourth place, too, and that player is DeAndre Hopkins .

A reunion with one of the greatest players in franchise history makes sense, now that the Texans have a need at receiver. While Hopkins has taken up coaching, he hasn't retired from his playing career yet, and reports suggest that he could make an NFL comeback. In fact, Hopkins made a social media post in his old Texans' gear that has fans wondering if a homecoming is imminent.

At one point, Hopkins was arguably the best receiver in the NFL. That definitely isn't the case anymore, but Hopkins has still produced at an impressive level in recent years. Ending his career where it began makes too much sense, but this wouldn't just be a happy story; the Texans can legitimately use what their former receiver has to offer.

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