The Houston Texans are adding both wide receivers who worked out for the team in recent days.
The Texans announced a series of transactions on Aug. 19. The team confirmed reporting earlier this week that Juwann Winfree, a young veteran receiver, signed with the Texans. But two-time Super Bowl champion Cornell Powell, who also worked out for Houston, is also signing with the Texans. The team is waiving injured receiver Xavier Johnson and releasing veteran running back J.J. Taylor.
With cutdown day a week away, Aug. 26, the Texans have nine other receivers on the roster after trading away John Metchie to the Philadelphia Eagles. The remaining receivers are: Braxton Berrios, Quintez Cephus, Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Xavier Hutchinson, Daniel Jackson, Christian Kirk, Jaylin Noel and Justin Watson.
Top targets are Collins, Kirk, and Higgins, with Tank Dell on PUP list, out for the year with a knee injury. Powell and Winfree are long shots to make the roster, but will have a chance to make an impressive showing against the Detroit Lions in the preseason finale on Aug. 23.
Texans begin the regular season at the Los Angeles Rams on Sept. 9 at 4:25 EDT.
The Texans New Veteran Receivers Were Late Round Draft Picks
Powell was a fifth-round selection by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2021 draft. He was with the Seattle Seahawks practice squad for the 2024 season. Powell has not played in the NFL regular season since 2022, but has played in the United Football League for the DC Defenders, leading the league in touchdown catches. He finished with 29 catches for 419 yards and seven touchdowns in 2025.
GettyGLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 19: Cornell Powell #14 of the Kansas City Chiefs catches a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter of a preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. Chiefs won 38-10. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Winfree was a sixth-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2019 from Colorado. He has spent time with the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis Colts.
Winfree posted to X on Aug. 18, sharing his agent, Mike McCartney’s message congratulating him on the deal. “LGGG [triumphant emoji],” the caption read.
https://x.com/OnlyOne_JW/status/1957569512225849829
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 06: Juwann Winfree #9 of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 06, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Texans Part Ways with Former Practice Squad Players
Johnson, a second-year receiver undrafted out of Ohio State, was a practice squad player for the Texans last season. According to Aaron Wilson, a KPRC-TV in Houston reporter, Johnson broke his hand and is out indefinitely.
GettyHOUSTON, TEXAS – AUGUST 16: Xavier Johnson #89 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Taylor, a fifth-year running back undrafted out of Arizona, spent some time on the Texans’ active roster after being promoted from the practice squad last season. He played in five games in 2024 and had 10 carries for 44 yards.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – AUGUST 09: J.J. Taylor #26 of the Houston Texans carries the ball for a gain in the fourth quarter during the NFL Preseason 2025 game between Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 9, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
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