Unless the Houston Texans plan on spending big on offensive lineman Ed Ingram this offseason, they might have to find a new pathway in fixing their interior offensive line ahead of the 2026 season.

According to KPRC2′s Aaron Wilson, Ingram, who posted his best season since being drafted out of LSU in 2022, is expected to command anywhere between $15-18 million annually on his next contract once free agency picks up in March. It’s not a set price, but given that interior linemen usually are top targets in free agency, a promising year likely jolted up the asking price this offseason.

Traded from the Minnesota Vikings this offseason in exchange for a late-round pick, Ingram started 16 total games, including two in the postseason, putting together not only the best showing of his career. Perhaps the top run blocker in the NFL, Ingram posted a 75.6 grade in run blocking by Pro Football Focus, which ranked seventh overall among linemen.

Landing any deal over $12 million would immediately make Ingram one of the top seven highest-paid right guards entering 2026. Given the asking price, plus the limited financial space and flexibility of the team’s salary cap, it’ll be hard for the Texans, along with most rosters, to accommodate that salary.

Right now, the Texans are over $5 million over the salary cap rate. If a deal is expected to be done with anyone in the future, All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. seems to be the top option after serving as the anchor of the league’s No. 1 defense.

Ingram could return if the Texans choose to franchise tag him. The market might also be more stale that led onto be, so while nothing is set in motion, if the former occurs, he’s probably out the door.

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: OL Ed Ingram expected to garner massive payday this offseason