The Houston Texans’ transformation from struggling to AFC South champions was made possible through the effective offseason acquisitions orchestrated by general manager Nick Caserio.

Not only were the additions during the offseason pivotal, but Caserio’s in-season maneuvers to patch together a defense played a crucial role in the Texans’ late-season success.

Players like DeAndre Houston-Carson, Shaq Griffin, and Derek Barnett filled significant depth roles on a defense plagued by injuries.

With a mix of new signings and former draft picks, the Texans’ front office faces a challenging task of making pivotal decisions in free agency. Their first step involves identifying players they aim to retain before they become free agents. Here are the top options for re-signing in free agency.

Tight End Dalton Schultz has emerged as one of the most positive surprises of the entire season, particularly for those who were not familiar with his abilities before the start of the season. For those acquainted with his talent during his tenure in the skilled Dallas Cowboys offense, Schultz’s performance has been consistently impressive.

In the absence of second-year tight end Teagan Quitoriano due to injury and limited playing time for third-year TE Brevin Jordan, Schultz took on the role of the mature figure and leader in the room. He played a pivotal role in securing several wins for the Texans with remarkable catches, notably in the comeback victory against the Tennessee Titans a few weeks ago.

Schultz concluded the regular season with notable statistics, recording 59 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns. His average of 10.8 yards per catch represents a career-best. His sustained and reliable production, compared to his time in Dallas, underscores his effectiveness as a pass-catching asset in the league. Additionally, Schultz has demonstrated consistent blocking skills when called upon.