The Texans intend to retain inside linebacker Dylan Cole, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Cole is due a $2.144 million restricted free agent tender.
Cole is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee suffered last season.
Cole is an athletic, versatile player who is the top backup to inside linebackers Benardrick McKinney and Zach Cunningham.
A former undrafted free agent from Missouri State, Cole had 16 tackles in 11 games last season. He has 61 career tackles, one sack and two interceptions.
Meanwhile, sources say the Texans want to bring back veteran running back and special-teams contributor Taiwan Jones and cornerback Phillip Gaines on one-year contracts.