For veteran Texans offensive guard Xavier Su'a-Filo, free agency represents a time of uncertainty and possibilities.

After four years with the Texans, the former second-round draft pick's four-year, $5.57 million contract that included a $2.357 million bonus has expired.

As an unrestricted free agent, the former UCLA all-conference lineman is hoping to have lots of good choices and potential suitors after starting 31 of the past 32 games over the past two seasons for the Texans.

One scenario that's under consideration is staying with the Texans. The Texans feel like Su'a-Filo began to hit stride as a blocker during the second half of last season as he upgraded his technique and played more aggressively.

The door isn't closed to a potential return for Su'a-Filo, 27, but the Texans will ponder the merits of a guard market that includes expensive Carolina Panthers free agent Andrew Norwell and Su'a-Filo is expected to explore his options. League sources not authorized to speak publicly emphasized not to rule out Su'a-Filo being back with the Texans, but cautioned that it's a fluid situation.

"I would definitely be grateful to stay here," Su'a-Filo said. "They drafted me. It's a big decision that will affect my wife and my kids."

When the Texans drafted Su'a-Filo with the 33rd overall pick, the first selection of the second round, he became the highest drafted UCLA offensive lineman since the Baltimore Ravens tabbed Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden fourth overall in 1996.

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Although he's never graded out highly with Pro Football Focus and other analytics sites, the Texans have noticed steady progress from Su'a-Filo and respect how hard he's worked. Su'a-Filo has gotten much higher marks for his run blocking than his pass protection over the years.

"He's gotten better," Texans coach Bill O'Brien said. "Over the years, he's improved. He's a better player."

Unlike his decision to attend UCLA as a blue-chip recruit when he had multiple scholarship offers, Su'a-Filo could be facing a tighter pool of potential suitors.

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A former winner of the Morris Trophy as the top blocker in the Pac-12 Conference, Su'a-Filo has never been named to a Pro Bowl. The 6-4, 310-pounder from Provo is looking forward to finding out whether he'll be remaining in Houston or moving on.

"I don't even know what to expect," Su'a-Filo said. "Hopefully, it will be an opportunity to continue my career. I'm just a grateful guy."