Heading into the 2026 NFL offseason, the Houston Texans are expected to pursue several running backs as they look to move on from former Pro Bowler Joe Mixon. Here’s a closer look at the potential options and which one would be the best fit for Houston’s offense.
Star Running Backs the Texans Are Expected To Target
On Thursday, February 26, Houston Texans writer and reporter Jonathan M Alexander published an article outlining the organization’s plans for this offseason.
During the discussion, Alexander highlighted the team’s need for a running back and how they are expected to proceed in the coming weeks.
He wrote: “Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III is a name I’ve heard floated around as a player the Texans may target if the running back hits free agency. Other targets could include Jaguars running back Travis Etienne or Panthers running back Rico Dowdle.”
“Houston general manager Nick Caserio said drafting a running back or trading for one are also options. A potential trade could include Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane.”
Of the group, Walker is the most coveted. The free agent back posted a 65.8 RB Impact Score, ranking 20th among all runners this past season with the Seahawks, according to PFSN’s RB Impact metric.
The postseason is where he truly made his presence felt, though, rushing for 313 yards across three games, including a 135-yard performance in the Super Bowl that earned him Super Bowl MVP honors. At just 25 years old, Walker would provide Houston the explosiveness it has been searching for in the backfield.
As for Etienne and Dowdle, they appear to be more realistic options. In 2025, Etienne posted a 63.5 RB Impact Score, ranking 26th among all backs. Dowdle ranked as high as 12th with a 71.9, per PFSN. It is also worth noting that Etienne caught fire in the second half of the season, while Dowdle’s production slowed down drastically.
Still, both should command between $8 and $10 million this offseason and would give Houston, or another contender, a stable option at running back next year.
The final name Alexander mentioned was Achane, the Dolphins’ Pro Bowl running back. Achane is coming off the best season of his career, finishing as PFSN’s second-ranked RB.
Unfortunately for Houston, the 24-year-old is still on his rookie deal through next season, and Miami is expected to keep him as part of its youth movement. If Houston is willing to offer significant draft capital, though, the Dolphins could be forced to consider it.
As previously noted, Dowdle and Etienne feel like the more realistic paths. However, if the Texans decide to spend big on Walker or pull off a major trade for Achane, the offense could take a significant step forward in 2026.
