The Houston Texans made an impressive recovery from 3-5 during the 2025 NFL season, reaching the playoffs and even winning a game. They had to make do with a makeshift backfield thanks to running back Joe Mixon’s mysterious season-ending injury. The back’s health situation has many believing Houston could look in a new direction at the position.
Who could they sign in free agency?
Texans Could Replace RB Joe Mixon With Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III
There are still very few facts known about Mixon’s injury and how he sustained it. Texans general manager Nick Caserio recently admitted that he thinks Mixon had surgery, but he’s not sure.
The veteran’s health status, combined with the Texans’ chaotic backfield, calls for action. Head coach DeMeco Ryans’s defense carried the team last year, making the offense a key focus point this offseason.
The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl MVP running back, Kenneth Walker III, is touted as the perfect fit behind quarterback C.J. Stroud. Walker (65.8 PFSN RB Impact) played out his rookie contract this past season and is due for a big payday, especially given his postseason performance, driving Seattle to the Lombardi Trophy.
Mo Moton of The Bleacher Report strongly backs Walker to the Texans, highlighting the running back’s pedigree and salary cap situations in his supporting argument.
“The Houston Texans saw Woody Marks develop into a lead running back over the course of his rookie season, but he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry,” Moton wrote. “Joe Mixon missed the entire 2025 campaign because of a foot injury, and head coach DeMeco Ryans is unsure of the 29-year-old running back’s future with the team.”
Walker, with 31 career touchdowns to his name, is the dream of any team in need of stabilizing its backfield. He’s fast, strong, agile, and has demonstrated impressive versatility in the passing game.
“Even if the Texans believe Marks can be more efficient in a featured role, they shouldn’t put all their hopes on that panning out,” Moton added. “They need to balance the offense, especially given quarterback C.J. Stroud’s inconsistent play over the last two seasons.”
Walker’s career has been among the most consistent in the NFL. In his four years in the league, he recorded 821 carries for 3,555 yards and 29 touchdowns. He also played a solid supporting role in Seattle’s passing game, booking 133 receptions for 1,005 yards and 2 scores.
“In Seattle, Walker fared well sharing the backfield with Zach Charbonnet,” Moton said. “He could do the same with Marks to elevate the Texans’ ground game.”
Houston might be a running back away from contending for a Super Bowl, given the defense they’ve assembled.
It’ll be interesting to see whether the front office actually pulls the trigger on Walker.
