The Houston Texans have surprised many people with how much better they’ve gotten since drafting quarterback C.J. Stroud. They’re building their offensive line to protect him and adding weapons to help him shine.
But they’re running low on cap space, with about $13.7 million left for the 2025 season. That puts them in the lower half of the NFL when it comes to available money.
They’ve got a few big contracts on the books, like Dalton Schultz, Danielle Hunter, and Tytus Howard, that take up a lot of that space.
Trading Laremy Tunsil, adding Christian Kirk, and restructuring a few deals helped them clear up some room before the season began.
Let’s look at the Texans’ 10 highest-paid players based on their 2025 cap hit.
The 10 Highest Paid Players on the Houston Texans 2025 Roster
10) Ka’imi Fairbairn, K | $6.733 million
Ka’imi Fairbairn was among the top five kickers in the league in 2024. He joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2016 and has been known for being reliable and consistent. He’s set a bunch of team records during his time in Houston.
9) Nico Collins, WR | $8.577 million
Nico Collins was a third-round pick in 2021 and has become a rising star. He’s great at making tough catches and getting open. He’s gotten better every year and made the Pro Bowl in 2024.
8) C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S | $9 million
The New Orleans Saints picked C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the fourth round in 2019. He’s been on a few teams since then and signed with Houston in 2025. He helped the Eagles win Super Bowl 59 after the 2024 season.
7) Joe Mixon, RB | $9.411 million
The Cincinnati Bengals picked Joe Mixon in the second round back in 2017. He came to Houston in 2024 and had a big year, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. He’s a powerful runner, can catch, and blocks well. He’s also a team leader and was named captain last season.
6) Will Anderson Jr., DE | $9.603 million
Will Anderson Jr. was picked third overall in 2023 after a trade with Arizona Cardinals. He’s already one of the best young pass rushers in the league. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023 and made the Pro Bowl. The Texans see him as a future star.
5) C.J. Stroud, QB | $9.894 million
Houston’s other big pick in 2023, at 2nd overall, was C.J. Stroud. He had an incredible rookie season, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year and making the Pro Bowl. He’s got a strong, accurate arm and is super athletic. The Texans believe he can lead them deep into the playoffs.
4) Tytus Howard, OT | $11.581 million
The Texans took Tytus Howard 23rd overall in 2019. He’s had a tough time with injuries, but is good when healthy. In 2022, he started every game. He’s especially strong in pass protection.
3) Derek Stingley Jr., CB | $12.027 million
Derek Stingley Jr. was the third overall pick in 2022. He’s great in coverage and always around the ball. In 2024, he was seen as one of the top three cornerbacks in the league.
2) Dalton Schultz, TE | $14 million
Dalton Schultz was picked in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys in 2018. He’s been awesome in Houston — both a steady pass catcher and a solid blocker. He’s known as one of the most complete tight ends in football.
1) Danielle Hunter, DE | $20.2 million
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Danielle Hunter in the third round in 2015. He was the heart of their defense for a long time. A five-time Pro Bowler, he’s piled up 507 tackles, 99.5 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, and 11 pass breakups in his career.