The Houston Texans surprisingly won the AFC South this year, and the team is definitely trending in the right direction under head coach Bill O'Brien. However, if they want to keep their momentum going, they're going to need to re-sign some key pieces this offseason. Here are the three guys they can't afford to lose:
3) RB Jonathan Grimes
Grimes, who just finished his fourth season in the league, emerged as a very capable short-yardage back for the Texans this season, picking up 282 yards and a touchdown on five yards per carry. His presence on the roster will be especially important if Houston decides to release Arian Foster this offseason, which they're expected to do.
2) C Ben Jones
Jones has started 44 of his career 65 games with the Texans, including every game this season, and is listed as the team's only center on their depth chart. He has been a reliable contributor for the past four years, and without any quality centers expected to hit the open market this summer, keeping their hands on Jones is a must.
1) OG Brandon Brooks
Brooks has been a mainstay along the Texans' line as he has spent the last three seasons as the starter. A third-round pick by Houston in the 2012 NFL Draft, he has been their most reliable lineman since joining the team, and the Texans need as many of those guys around as possible as they'll likely be starting a rookie at quarterback next year.