Houston — When it comes to making significant roster changes for the Houston Texans, general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans have a lot of choices to make.
Tuesday is the first day that teams may apply franchise tags to players whose contracts are about to expire, which will start the rebuilding of Houston’s squad.
The top player on the Texans’ list of 25 potential free agents in March is defensive end Jonathan Greenard. The seasoned edge rusher is keen to stay in Houston. And according to Over the Cap, Greenard is the top possibility for the Texans to obtain a franchise tag after a stellar season.
The tag is set at $23.3 million for the 2024 campaign.
Jonathan Greenard (52), a defensive end for the Texans, at the line of scrimmage during the Denver Broncos game at NRG Stadium.
America TODAY Sports’ Troy Taormina America TODAY Sports’ Troy Taormina “After the Texans’ Division Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, they know that I love Houston and that I definitely want to come back, but as we know, that’s not up to me,” Greenard remarked.
I’m at a loss on what to do at this time. I believe that now that I’ve closed that chapter and made my portfolio public, everything else will work itself out. If I’m back, I’m going to go 10 toes; if not, that’s just how the game is played.”
In 15 games, Greenard added 52 tackles and a team-high 12.5 sacks, good for a tie for 10th place in the league. He was a key component of the Texans’ redesigned run defense as well. Pro Football Focus reports that Greenard received a run-defensive grade of 67.2. Since joining the Texans as a third-round selection (number 90 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, Greenard has been driven to help the team rebuild. Greenard has always been liked by the Texans, and his 2023 campaign went well, earning him a well-earned pay day. Instead of accepting the franchise tag, Houston could be better off locking down Greenard. Associated:
Three-Star Sportsperson? QB C.J. Stroud of the Texans Plays in the Celebrity Games Over the next four years, the Texans could pay a projected $13.4 million in salary to retain Greenard. Paying Greenard would also be easier for Houston than trying to find a replacement for him, given Ryans’ high regard for investing on the defensive line. “Everything I believe in, it starts up front with the rush and also with the offensive line and protecting,” Ryans stated. Thus, we’ll keep constructing with our fronts. That’s how I see it: start at the front and work your way back. Jonathan had a fantastic year.
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