With the Houston Texans 2023 season officially in the books, it's time to look ahead at what the roster will look like in 2024.

Texans GM Nick Caserio spoke recently about the priorities for the offseason. He noted that teams that are able to run the ball, and stop the run in January, are typically the ones that go deep in the playoffs.

Which makes sense, considering the Texans had no answers for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens running game. On the other side of the ball, the Texans struggled to get their rushing attack going all year. Texans OC Bobby Slowik was the passing game coordinator for the 49ers before joining the Texans. It's no surprise that he would have more success airing it out with superstar rookie QB CJ Stroud.

So how can the Texans get better in these areas? On offense, it starts with upgrading the run and pass blocking. With Laremy Tunsil, Shaq Mason, and Tytus Howard locked in for 2024 based on their contracts, center and left guard is where there's some uncertainty.

Juice Scruggs seems like the logical option at center, so left guard could be the position they look to upgrade through free agency or the draft. Ideally, left guard Kenyon Green will live up to being a first round pick this year and help improve the running game. But it's hard to count on him after the last two disappointing seasons.

They could also look for a dynamic running back that could take the rushing attack to the next level, either way, with only Dameon Pierce under contract, expect the Texans to add some competition in free agency or the draft. We also expect them to re-sign TE Dalton Schultz, which will likely cost around $10 million per season.

Outlook on defense

They were much-improved against the run in 2023. But there's room for growth, as we saw late in the season. The Colts and Ravens had success running against the Texans, so there's work to be done. If the Texans want to be true championship contenders going forward, they'll have to have an answer for the Ravens rushing attack. Even if you take Lamar Jackson's 100 rushing yards out of the equation, DeMeco's defense still surrendered 129 yards on the ground to Baltimore's running backs.

Two spots on the defensive line are up in the air for next season, with Sheldon Rankins and Jonathan Greenard both being free agents. And while re-signing Greenard seems like a no-brainer based on his 12.5 sack season, he's going to cost a lot. The Texans $70 million in cap space won't last long after signing Greenard to a 5-year, $75 million contract.

My only concern with Greenard is the injuries. He's great against the run and a very good pass rusher, but he'll play this upcoming season at 27 years old and has never played a full allotment of games due to injury. Plus, the Texans have a lot of players on 1-year contracts that are looking to get paid this offseason. They simply can't pay everybody.

Not to mention, kicker Ka'imi Faribairn and punter Cam Johnston are both free agents.

Blake Cashman is another player the Texans should consider bringing back. He shouldn't cost a ton of money, and he played well at linebacker for Houston this year. Corner Steven Nelson is also a free agent, and safety Jimmy Ward could be a cap casualty based on how often he was injured this year, and his age.

One thing is for sure, Nick Caserio and DeMeco Ryans will have some difficult decisions to make. Let's hope Caserio has another year of adding quality players in the draft and free agency. And it might be a little easier this season in free agency, with players excited to join a playoff team with a top tier young QB.