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In the lead-up to free agency, much of the speculation surrounding the Houston Texans focused on potential moves in the offensive backfield. However, the reigning AFC South champions chose to take control of their narrative by emphasizing aggression on the defensive side.
Following reports of the Texans’ acquisition of four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter, the team continued to bolster its defensive line by trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
Collins, 28, who previously played for the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders, showcased strong performance last season, starting all 16 games and achieving career highs with five sacks, 41 total tackles, and 18 quarterback hits.
In addition to Hunter, Houston reportedly secured defensive lineman Denico Autry and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, both former Tennessee Titans players, to fill the void left by outgoing Texans free agents Jonathan Greenard and Blake Cashman.
The Texans’ investments in Hunter, Autry, and Al-Shaair amount to over $27 million in salary and bonuses, as per Spotrac. General manager Nick Caserio entered free agency with approximately $63 million in salary cap space.
These defensive acquisitions complement the Texans’ foundational piece, Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr.
On the offensive front, Houston re-signed tight end Dalton Schultz to a lucrative three-year, $36 million deal and pursued former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley to bolster their rushing attack, which ranked 28th in yards per game last season.
Despite their efforts to secure Barkley with a multiyear contract exceeding $10 million per year over three years, the Philadelphia Eagles ultimately secured him with a three-year, $37.75 million deal.
Houston also maintained continuity in the receiving corps by re-signing wide receiver Noah Brown to a one-year, $5 million deal.
While the Texans did not sign a replacement for Devin Singletary in the running back position, Caserio orchestrated a trade for 2021 Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon from the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for a seventh-round pick.
As the NFL’s new league year commenced, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans expressed his desire to build the team with individuals dedicated to competing and maintaining a relentless mindset, aiming to replicate their AFC South title and playoff victory in the upcoming season.