ClutchPoints
The AFC arms race took a dramatic turn the moment the New England Patriots acquired AJ Brown. In that move, Mike Vrabel and company added one of the NFL’s most physically dominant wide receivers to an offense already led by Drake Maye. The Patriots are pursuing conference supremacy. That reality creates a new challenge for every AFC contender, including the Houston Texans. Sure, Houston remains one of the league’s most talented young teams. However, the Patriots’ latest splash exposed a vulnerability that could become glaringly obvious. If the Texans want to keep pace with New England in the race for AFC supremacy, there is one move they must make before the 2026 season begins.
General manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans approached the spring needing to become more physical. They reinforced the offensive line by acquiring Wyatt Teller and retaining veterans Trent Brown and Ed Ingram. They reshaped the running game by bringing in David Montgomery. Houston also added depth at tight end with Marlin Klein and Foster Moreau.
Defensively, Houston doubled down on its strengths. Danielle Hunter received an extension. That maintains one of the NFL’s most dangerous pass-rushing tandems alongside Will Anderson Jr. meanwhile, Reed Blankenship added experience and toughness to the secondary.
The result is a roster capable of winning football games in multiple ways. Houston can run the ball, control possession, pressure opposing quarterbacks, and dominate the trenches. Against most teams, that formula should prove highly effective.
The problem is that championship races are rarely decided against most teams. They are decided against elite teams. And that is where concerns begin to emerge.
At first glance, Houston’s receiving corps appears strong enough. Nico Collins has developed into one of the AFC’s premier outside targets. Tank Dell remains one of the league’s most dangerous playmakers when healthy. Jayden Higgins also adds another dependable option.
That trio is unquestionably talented. However, the NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. The Texans’ problem is what exists behind their top three receivers. Injuries are inevitable. Defenses adjust. Players miss time. Championship teams survive because they possess enough weapons to absorb those setbacks without dramatically altering their offensive identity.
The Patriots now have that luxury. Brown immediately elevates a receiving corps that already featured Romeo Doubs. Defensive coordinators will be forced to commit extra resources toward stopping Brown. That will create opportunities elsewhere throughout the offense.
Houston, meanwhile, is operating much closer to the edge. If Collins misses time, the offense changes dramatically. If Dell suffers another injury setback, opposing defenses suddenly become far more comfortable committing additional resources elsewhere. The margin for error is simply too small. That is why Houston must act.
The solution is surprisingly straightforward. The Texans should aggressively pursue free-agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel. For a team trying to close the gap between itself and the AFC’s elite, few available players offer a better combination of talent, versatility, and...
