HOU Cade Stover
NFL player. Position: TE. Team: HOU.
Quick Facts
- Position: TE
- Team: HOU (Houston Texans)
Cade Stover enters 2026 fully recovered from hernia surgery, participating in the Texans' full spring conditioning program. In Year 2, he logged a 40% snap share despite breaking his foot in Week 1 of 2025 (which grew to approximately 45% share despite the injury), indicating increasing role expectations. However, his passing-game role remains limited with just 38 career targets through two seasons. The Texans are experimenting with Stover at fullback, a part-time role that could increase his playing time if he can catch on in that capacity. With Dalton Schultz, Foster Moreau, Marlin Klein, and Brevin Jordan also in the TE room, Stover will need to carve out a specific role—likely as a run-blocking specialist—to secure playing time in 2026 (per Texans TE Cade Stover Fully Recovered From Hernia Surgery).
Under new offensive coordinator Nick Caley's TE-focused scheme, the Texans are planning to increase their use of 12-personnel and 13-personnel formations significantly in 2026. Stover, who had to fill in as a blocking tight end due to injuries, is expected to get more defined opportunities in these new package formations. Caley has brought in a new approach emphasizing multiple tight end combinations and varied personnel groupings, which should create additional snap opportunities for Stover beyond his fullback experiments (per How Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley, a 'tight end guy,' plans increased role for position).
Stover now faces direct competition for playing time in the tight end room, particularly for the third TE spot. Second-round pick Marlin Klein has entered camp as a formidable competitor, challenging Stover's bench role. After three seasons with limited receiving production (just 27 catches in 24 games, with 209 yards and one touchdown), Stover's path forward depends on solidifying his value as a run-blocking specialist. Klein's superior athleticism and route fluidity may push Stover further down the depth chart unless he establishes a clear role in Caley's expanded tight end packages (per Two Texans rookies could create hotly contested camp battles in the future - Toro Times).
Trade speculation to Philadelphia Eagles (August 12): Stover has emerged as a potential trade candidate, with trade analysts proposing a move to the Eagles in exchange for defensive tackle Ty Robinson. The Eagles' TE depth behind Dallas Goedert has struggled, with veteran Johnny Mundt offering primarily blocking and 2nd-round rookie Eli Stowers underperforming expectations. In Houston, Stover is competing for the TE4 role behind Dalton Schultz, Foster Moreau, Marlin Klein, and Brevin Jordan. A move to Philadelphia could provide Stover a fresh opportunity as a solid backup tight end with a balanced blocking/catching profile (per Latest Trade Proposal Asks Eagles to Pull the Plug on Draft Pick).
August 26 roster cut deadline discussion: As the Texans prepare for preseason finale and final roster cuts, Stover is again being discussed as a potential trade candidate. The team may consider moving him for a defensive end to address injuries to Ali Gaye and Dylan Horton on the defensive line. Texans GM Nick Caserio has a track record of moving young talent for value (analogous to the John Metchie III trade to Philadelphia last year). If Houston decides to keep him, Stover faces significant competition for the TE3/TE4 role (per 5 players Texans could trade away before NFL roster cuts - Texans Wire).
Role / Depth Chart
Run-blocking tight end, experimenting with fullback snaps. Expected to play 40-45% of snaps when active, primarily in heavy package and run situations.
Injury Status
Hernia surgery (fully recovered as of May 2026). Previous knee injury from 2025 divisional round loss did not require surgery.
Recent News
- 2026-05-25 — Texans TE Cade Stover Fully Recovered From Hernia Surgery - NFL Rumors (Texans TE Cade Stover Fully Recovered From Hernia Surgery - NFL Rumors)
- 2026-05-05 — Houston Texans 2026 Post-Draft Roster Tiers (Houston Texans 2026 Post-Draft Roster Tiers)
- 2026-06-16 — Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Post-NFL Draft (June 2026) (Dynasty Fantasy Football Rankings: Post-NFL Draft (June 2026))
- 2026-03-08 — Texans 2026 offseason predictions for free agency, trades & NFL draft (Texans 2026 offseason predictions for free agency, trades & NFL draft)
- 2026-06-18 — Texans' Offense Expected to Make One Big Adjustment for 2026 Season (Texans' Offense Expected to Make One Big Adjustment for 2026 Season)
- 2026-04-27 — Projecting Texans Depth Chart & 53-Man Roster After the Draft (Projecting Texans Depth Chart & 53-Man Roster After the Draft)
- 2026-06-16 — Grades for Every NFL Team's Tight End Room - All 32 Franchises [2026] (Grades for Every NFL Team's Tight End Room - All 32 Franchises [2026])
- 2026-03-18 — How Texans' 2026 depth chart is taking shape after latest moves (How Texans' 2026 depth chart is taking shape after latest moves)
- 2026-05-25 — 2026 NFL Trade Block (2026 NFL Trade Block)
- 2026-06-10 — 3 Texans Depth Chart Battles That'll Be Heating Up at Minicamp (3 Texans Depth Chart Battles That'll Be Heating Up at Minicamp)