The Houston Texans addressed the tight end position in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Michigan Wolverines Marlin Klein 59th overall. Klein waited his turn as Michigan’s starter after sitting behind Luke Schoonmaker, AJ Barner, and Colston Loveland during his first three seasons. He had a solid senior campaign, hauling in career highs of 24 receptions for 248 yards and one touchdown in 11 games with six starts.
The 6-foot-6, 250-pound offensive weapon projects as an in-line “Y” tight end. Klein will compete against Foster Moreau as the team’s No. 2 TE behind Dalton Schultz.
Houston Texans tap 250-pound offensive weapon with rookie deal
Houston Texans, Nick Caserio
Oct 11, 2025; College Station, Texas, USA; Houston Texans executive vice president and general manager Nick Caserio watches warm up prior to the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Florida Gators at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Texans have signed Marlin Klein to a four-year rookie contract. The deal is worth $8.184 million, including a $2.41 million signing bonus. As Wilson notes, Klein will earn annual base salaries of $885,000 in 2026, $1.257 million in 2027, $1.628 million in 2028, and $2.001 million in 2029.
#Texans rookie tight end Marlin Klein signs four-year, $8.184 million contract that includes a $2.41 million signing bonus, per a league source @KPRC2
Annual base salaries: $885,000, $1.257 million, $!.628 million, $2.001 million https://t.co/gXKoAT3qto
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 14, 2026
Lance Zierlein
Mar 2, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; NFL Network Draft media analyst Lance Zierlein during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
“German-born prospect with average athleticism in space but above-average grit at the point. Klein’s tape shouldn’t be viewed as a finished product considering his relative lack of game experience in the sport. He needs to block with inside hands but displays a sturdy core and strong hands to do his job in-line. He builds speed with long strides and will catch what is provided. More muscle mass is needed, but Klein has a chance to become a Day 3 pick as a backup ‘Y’ tight end.”
He projects as a good backup with the potential to develop into a starter.