The Houston Texans’ 26-7 victory over the Detroit Lions closed out the 2025 preseason for both teams. It also allowed Texans rookie sixth-round pick and quarterback Graham Mertz to showcase his wares before, if all goes well, he stands on the sidelines all season.
Mertz’s performance earned a short but fitting message from the Texans after his performance against the Lions.
“Trust the process [fingers crossed emoji],” the Texans posted on X on August 23.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander called the outing Mertz’s “best day of the preseason” in his postgame player stock update. Mertz completed 14 of 16 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown.
He finished his first NFL preseason with the Texans after completing 23 of 32 passes for 174 yards, 1 TD, and 0 interceptions.
Mertz’s future with the Texans remains a source of intrigue.
Texans HC DeMeco Ryans Praises Graham Mertz
GettyGraham Mertz #18 of the Houston Texans throws a pass against the Detroit Lions.
Mertz, the No. 197 overall pick of the 2025 draft, earned longer, more detailed praise from Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Ryans’ comments could bode well for Mertz as roster cutdown day (August 26) approaches.
“Really proud of Graham with the wa he got in and really commanded the offense. He was under control, played with great energy, great communication. Did a really nice job of moving the ball up and down the field,” Ryans told reporters on August 23. “And I’m happy he was able to get some playing time, get some significant time. His first two games, I feel like he got enough, significant playing time. [But] it was towards the ends of the game.
“That was the reason why we went with him first, just to get him more meaningful reps. And he’s the guy – like, what I’ve been talking about of guys taking advantage of the reps they’re given. Graham definitely did that today, and he has a bright future ahead of him.”
Mertz is part of a deep quarterback room that is led by 2023 Pro Bowler C.J. Stroud and top backup Davis Mills.
Graham Mertz in Roster Battle With Former UDFA
GettyKedon Slovis #16 of the Houston Texans runs the ball against the Carolina Panthers.
Mertz may have helped his case against teammate Kedon Slovis for a roster spot, but the latter did not roll over in the Texans’ preseason finale.
Slovis took over after halftime, and he finished with a 111-1-1 line on 68.7% completion.
Stroud is the Texans’ franchise passer, and Mills has proven his value. But Mertz is a late-round draft pick with $228,484 in guarantees on his four-year, $4.4 million contract, hardly enough money to make a front office pause if forced to decide between him and another player.
Ryans spoke candidly after the win over the Lions about the complexity of filling out the Texans’ roster with 53 of the best players that they can.
Again, if Stroud remains upright, the Texans’ backup QB situation will be moot.
Still, it is encouraging for Ryans that they have a room of players who have shown the kind of promise that Mertz and even Slovis have this preseason. For Mertz, it is important that he put good play on tape, just in case the Texans make a quick pivot and cut him.
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