The Houston Texans finished the 2022 season with the second-worst record in the league. Therefore, this roster has plenty of holes to fill before the 2023 season. 

Luckily for the Texans, they currently have a league-leading 11 draft picks and the fifth-most cap space. While there has been much speculation about the team's draft plan, the Texans could also be major players in free agency if they choose to be. 

In 2022, the Texans were near the bottom of the league in every major offensive category. On defense, no team allowed more rushing yards on average than the Texans. While the plethora of draft capital will certainly help, some veterans will still need to be brought in. 

With around $37.6 million in expected cap space, the team will have room to add a few starters. With that in mind, let's take a look at some realistic options to make the Houston Texans more competitive in 2023. 

Samson Ebukam, DE

New head coach Demeco Ryans needs a productive pass rush for his defensive scheme. Ebukam has been a solid rotational edge rusher during his six-year NFL career, including the last two seasons in San Francisco with Ryans. 

In 2021, Ebukam signed a two-year deal with the 49ers after spending his first four seasons with the Rams. Ebukam tied a career-high in 2021 with 4.5 sacks and appeared in 17 games. In 2022, Ebukam tallied 3.5 sacks and 32 tackles. 

Ebukam is familiar with Ryans' scheme and shouldn't break the bank. According to Spotrac, Ebukam is expected to earn $7.7 million this offseason. The edge rusher could easily fit in the Texans' budget and could be a great fit in Houston. 

Vonn Bell, S

Jalen Pitre has the free safety position locked down after an impressive rookie season. Jonathan Owens started at strong safety for the team in 2022, but he struggled in coverage at times and is headed for free agency. 

If Ryans wants an upgrade at the position, Vonn Bell could be a good fit. Bell collected 77 tackles and 4 INTs during the 2022 season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Bell is also durable- he never missed a game during his three seasons in Cincinnati. 

Bell would give Pitre a veteran mentor in the secondary and provide much-needed experience to a young unit. Spotrac projects Bell to command just shy of $10 million, so he's on the pricier side. 

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT

The Texans also desperately need to beef up their defensive line. The team allowed a league-worst 170.2 rushing yards per game in 2022. Currently, the team has Roy Lopez and Maliek Collins anchoring the line, which leaves much to be desired. 

Enter Dalvin Tomlinson. 

Tomlinson had 42 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks in 2022. The massive tackle earned a 77.1 grade from PFF for his performance. 

Tomlinson is set to enter free agency after spending two seasons in Minnesota. Tomlinson will not be breaking the sacks record any time soon, but he is one of the most proficient run stuffers in the league. The Texans need a talent infusion on the defensive line, and Tomlinson would provide that. 

Garrett Bradbury, C

The center position was a problem for the Texans in 2022. 

Scott Quessenberry started all 16 games for the team and left much to be desired. The team ranked 31st in rushing offense and allowed 38 sacks. Quessenberry earned an ugly 36.6 grade from PFF for his efforts. 

Staying in Minnesota, there's another pending free agent that should interest the Texans. Garrett Bradbury is set to test the market after the Vikings declined his fifth-year option before the 2022 season. 

Bradbury struggles in pass protection, but would significantly upgrade the team's run blocking. Bradbury graded out at 70.2 in 2022. Quality offensive linemen are hard to find, so the Texans might have serious competition for Bradbury. 

Mike Gesicki, TE

The Texans are in dire need of playmakers. Mike Gesicki is exactly that when he's at his best. The tight end had his best season in 2021 when he collected 73 catches for 780 yards and 2 TDs. 

Gesicki's numbers took a step back in 2022 due to the new coaching staff not utilizing tight ends as prevalently. Thus, it is widely expected that Gesicki will play elsewhere in 2023. 

The Texans have two tight ends set to enter free agency: Jordan Akins and O.J. Howard. Gesicki could easily replace the production of the two tight ends and would be a reliable target for whoever is under center in 2023. 

When a team finishes with a 3-13-1 record, that means many areas need to be improved. Luckily for the Texans, they should have the resources to patch several of these holes. 

I wouldn't expect the Texans to go wild in free agency this season. Instead, I expect a series of mid-level signings that address the biggest weaknesses. 

Featured image via Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK