The Houston Texans approached defensive free agency with a strategic and cost-effective mindset, mirroring the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle. With limited salary cap space, they prioritized re-signing key veterans on team-friendly deals while addressing vulnerabilities in the front seven and secondary. Additionally, restructuring contracts, including those of Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter, provided some financial flexibility.
With the draft approaching, it’s an ideal time to assess the Texans’ defensive additions and identify remaining gaps.
Defensive Ends:
- Starters: Danielle Hunter, Will Anderson Jr.
- Backups: Derek Barnett, Darrell Taylor, Dylan Horton
- Depth: Kingsley Jonathan, Casey Toohill, Solomon Byrd
Bringing back Derek Barnett was a strong early move in free agency, ensuring continuity in the pass rush. Darrell Taylor was also signed on a one-year deal in hopes of replicating Barnett’s impact. Dylan Horton, entering his third season after recovering from a past illness, is expected to take a big leap forward.
Defensive Tackles:
- Starters: Tim Settle Jr., Sheldon Rankins
- Backups: Denico Autry, Mario Edwards Jr.
- Depth: Tommy Togiai, Kurt Hinish, Jayden Peevy
The return of Sheldon Rankins and the presence of several veteran players have stabilized the defensive tackle position. While no standout players emerge from this group, head coach DeMeco Ryans seems to favor a rotational approach to his interior defensive line. However, the addition of a young player in the draft would provide long-term stability. One name to watch is Tommy Togiai, who quietly played a key role late last season.
Linebackers:
- Starters: Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o
- Backups: Christian Harris, E.J. Speed
- Depth: Jake Hansen, Jamal Hill, Nick Niemann
The signing of E.J. Speed significantly bolsters this unit, giving the Texans four linebackers who have recorded 100+ tackles in a season over the past two years. However, it raises concerns about Christian Harris’ health, given that he played only three games in 2024. Jamal Hill is expected to develop into a valuable special teams contributor and rotational linebacker.
Cornerbacks:
- Starters: Kamari Lassiter, Derek Stingley Jr.
- Backups: Ronald Darby, M.J. Stewart
- Depth: Tremon Smith, D’Angelo Ross
Kamari Lassiter was a revelation as a rookie, solidifying a previously glaring weakness. However, depth remains a concern despite the signings of Ronald Darby and Tremon Smith, who primarily contribute on special teams. Expect the Texans to use a mid-round draft pick to strengthen this position further.
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