Graham Mertz learns roster fate with Houston Texans
By Andrew Olson
Published:
Graham Mertz is set to be a member of an NFL active roster in his rookie season.
The Houston Texans chose to keep 3 quarterbacks, including Mertz, on the active roster at Tuesday’s deadline to get down to 53. It’s not a huge surprise that Mertz made it, as the Texans used the No. 197 pick in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft to select the former Florida quarterback.
Mertz may have locked up his spot this weekend. He got the start in the preseason finale, and went 14-of-16 passing for 145 yards and a touchdown as Houston notched a 26-7 win over Detroit.
Rookie QB Graham Mertz made the #Texans 53-man, per a source. Had a great final preseason game.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) August 26, 2025
After playing his first 4 years at Wisconsin, Mertz transferred to Florida ahead of the 2023 season. Though UF struggled in 2023, it was a career year for Mertz. He posted career bests in completions (261), passing yards (2,903), touchdowns (20), completion percentage (72.9%), passing yards per game (263.9) and interceptions (3).
Mertz returned to UF in 2024 as the incumbent starter, but had his 6th year cut short by a season-ending injury. He completed 72-of-94 passes for 791 yards and 6 touchdowns with a 164.1 passer rating in 5 starts.
In addition to starter CJ Stroud, the Texans will also have QB Davis Mills on the roster.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
