At the time of writing, the Houston Texans currently do not have a quarterback on the practice squad roster. Not that its the biggest of priorities, but there is always a need for quality signal callers within an NFL organization, regardless of position on the depth chart.
In Houston's case, it's imperative that they invest at that position as soon as feasible, considering their recent stretch of unfortunate health developments across the roster (here's hoping that trend has abated). And funny enough, there are actually some options on the free agent market that I think could be very intriguing in terms of playstyle variance. If nothing else, it would allow Houston to make sure they cover every single base when it comes to maximizing their opportunities for roster development and maximization.
In particular, there are three quarterbacks of note that I wouldn't mind general manager Nick Caserio taking a flyer on as the regular season gets underway.
There are three quarterbacks who the Houston Texans could take a chance on for QB3
Joe Milton III, most recently of the Dallas Cowboys
Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 230 pounds, former Dallas Cowboys backup quarterback Joe Milton III for me is the most interesting option that Houston has to consider in the free agent pool. He's big, strong, agile and can hurl a football anywhere from 50-70 yards if you need him to. The problem for him has always been the more technical side of the position, like accuracy, anticipation and just being an overall proficient playmaker from the pocket.
For the Texans, it would represent a chance to further develop someone who' still very much a raw prospect, as well as integrating an option who provides an entirely different dimension of physical capabilities from under center. If nothing else, they wouldn't have to worry about his ability to target someone like Nico Collins or Jaylin Noel deep downfield.
Will Levis, most recently of the Tennessee Titans
In the same vein as Milton, former Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis offers the Texans a prospect with amazing physical traits. However, there's a reason why Levis finds himself available after only being three seasons removed from being drafted 33rd-overall in the 2023 draft (the same as Texans quarterback Stroud).
Even though Levis exploded onto the NFL scene with a 238-yard, four touchdown debut performance in a 28-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in a week eight of the 2023 season, he's been unable to sustain any level of consistently effective play as the primary signal caller in Tennessee. It even got to the point where--after a horrid four turnover performance against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 15--the former Kentucky product was actually benched by former Titans head coach Brian Callahan in favor of veteran passer Mason Rudolph in December of his sophomore season (2024).
However, Levis has still shown flashes of brilliance in short spurts, as well as being a tough player who doesn't make utilizing his feet and physicality to help his offense move the ball in tight situations. Like Milton, Levis could be a shock to the system who could win the Texans a game or two in situations where he'd have a limited role.
Jake Browning, most recently of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jake Browning would be the most NFL-experienced player on this list for the Texans. Having appeared in 17 games across a six-year career with the Vikings and Bengals, Browning has actually won several games as the fill-in option when called upon (4-6 record as a starter). Even though his statistical picture isn't that glamorous, he's at least proven that he could be depended on in clutch moments when the primary quarterback goes down for a minor stretch of games.
Ultimately, if Browning ends up on Houston's practice squad in 2026, I wouldn't be disappointed. Additionally, he'd also arguably be a considerable upgrade over both Graham Mertz (torn ACL) and Brett Rypien (cut). Worst case scenario, he's seen some things at the NFL level.
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