As the 2023 NFL season concluded, the Houston Texans experienced a notable improvement in their pass rush, becoming a vital component of their playoff aspirations. As they approach the offseason with the aim of further solidifying their competitive standing, bolstering their pass rush for the 2024 season becomes imperative. However, looming free agency poses a challenge, with several key Texans players eyeing new contracts. With a substantial cap space of $57.75 million, ranking sixth in the league, the decisions on allocating funds could significantly influence their fate in the AFC South.
Among the impending free agents are interior defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, starting edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, and rotational pass rushers Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett. Greenard has openly expressed his desire to return to Houston, and Pro Football Focus (PFF) suggests that he should be the Texans’ top priority in free agency. PFF projects a three-year, $47.25 million deal for Greenard, emphasizing the importance of retaining him for the team’s success.
Greenard’s standout performance in the previous season, marked by career-highs in sacks (12.5), quarterback hits (22), and tackles for loss (15), positions him as a key player for the Texans. Despite being the second-best edge rusher on the team, the circumstances, including Houston’s cap space and operating within C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract, make Greenard a reasonable investment. The suggested average annual value of $15.75 million would place him 17th among current edge rusher contracts, offering a cost-effective solution.
Moreover, Greenard’s potential overshadowing by emerging pass rusher Will Anderson Jr. is considered an advantage, as both players come at a reasonable cost. Greenard’s impact extends beyond pass rushing, with 19 stops against the run, placing him among the top 20 edge defenders in this category. Under the tutelage of coach DeMeco Ryans, he achieved career-highs in pass-rush win rate (12.4%), pressures (53), and sacks (12.5). Keeping this formidable edge-rushing duo intact is seen as crucial for the defense’s effectiveness and growth.
While interior pressure can be addressed more affordably, the emphasis remains on retaining Greenard, whose versatility and contributions to both pass rush and run defense make him a valuable asset. As the Texans navigate the competitive landscape of the AFC, having a strong defense to complement their talented quarterback is deemed essential, and retaining their most productive pass rusher from the previous season is seen as a key step in achieving this goal.
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