Ex-Dolphins Playmaker Destined for Cut by New Team Before Week 1

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The Texans are facing a crowded receiver room this offseason, setting up what looks like a numbers game that could leave recent free agent signing Braxton Berrios on the outside looking in. After losing Tank Dell (likely sidelined for all of 2025) and watching Stefon Diggs head to New England, Houston’s aggressive restocking at the position has created a logjam that doesn’t bode well for the veteran slot specialist.

Berrios inked a modest one-year, $2 million deal with Houston back in March – the kind of contract that screams “prove it” rather than “guaranteed roster spot.” The timing couldn’t be worse for the 29-year-old, as the Texans have seemingly overcompensated for their receiver losses, potentially squeezing him out before he even gets meaningful snaps in H-Town.

Berrios Facing Uphill Battle After Texans’ Offseason Moves

The writing’s on the wall. Houston swung a trade with division rival Jacksonville for Christian Kirk, who’s made his living in the slot since his 2021 breakout with Arizona. That’s the same position where Berrios took 46 percent of his snaps last season with Miami.

It doesn’t end there.

The Texans doubled down at receiver in the draft, using valuable second and third-round picks on Iowa State’s dynamic duo – Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel. The latter projects as another slot option, creating even more competition at Berrios’ primary position. Meanwhile, Nico Collins – Houston’s undisputed alpha receiver – has the X-receiver spot locked down as one of the game’s most dominant outside threats.

Collins established himself as a true game-changer last season, winning at all three levels and commanding defensive attention. Alongside him, second-round pick Higgins brings another big-bodied presence with exceptional catch radius – a prototype outside receiver who should immediately compete for perimeter snaps opposite Collins.

Houston Chronicle reported that both Higgins and Noel will have “opportunities” to “carve out roles early” behind the team’s established options ($). That priority given to the rookies pushes Berrios even further down the depth chart before training camp even begins.

If there’s a silver lining for Berrios, it’s his special teams value. He’s not just a receiver – he earned All-Pro First Team honors with the Jets in 2021 as a kick returner, leading the NFL with 30.4 yards per return while piling up 1,524 all-purpose yards. That specialty might be his best chance to stick on the roster.

With Collins and Higgins outside, Kirk in the slot, and the rookies being groomed for significant roles, Berrios finds himself caught in a numbers game that looks increasingly difficult to win. Unless injuries strike or he shines in camp, his time in Houston may be shorter than anyone expected when he signed just two months ago.