DeMeco Ryans finds the Texans answer up the middle by adding a familiar face
WELCOME TO HOUSTON
13 March 2024
The Texans' new linebacker played for DeMeco Ryans in San Francisco. Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images.
The Houston Texans still have spots to fill, as we're only three days into free agency. But they have addressed linebacker with the signing of former Titan and 49er, Azeez Al-Shaair.
Al-Shaair played for DeMeco in San Francisco, and was a target of the Texans in free agency last season. Al-Shaair opted to sign a 1-year deal with the Titans instead of coming to Houston.
This year, DeMeco got his man signing Al-Shaair to a 3-year, $34 million deal, per KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson.
#Texans three-year, $34M deal for Azeez Al-Shaair: $21.5M gtd, $11 million signing bonus, salaries $1.5M (gtd), $9M (gtd), $11M; $29,412 per game active roster bonus annual up to $500K
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 12, 2024
Just two years ago, Al-Shaair was a member of the best linebacker trio in the NFL. Playing alongside 49ers' Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. But with his contract expiring with the 49ers after the 2022 season, it was time for Al-Shaair to go be the main guy on a new team. And after one season with Tennessee, it's time for him to do it in Houston.
With Denzel Perryman and Blake Cashman leaving in free agency, Houston needed to add to the position group. Al-Shaair will join Christian Harris in the Texans' linebacker room. Who will fill the third role is yet to be determined. But that's a great duo at linebacker, and the Texans play a ton of nickel coverage, with only 2 linebackers on the field.
What does Al-Shaair bring to the table?
Al-Shaair isn't quite as good in coverage as Cashman or Harris, per PFF. But he's great against the run, recording over 150 tackles last season.
The 26-year-old Al-Shaair should be an immediate upgrade at linebacker, or DeMeco wouldn't have given him a bigger contract than Cashman received. And don't be surprised if we see Christian Harris taking over some coverage duties left behind by Cashman.
In the video above, Craig from Sports Talk Extra uses some numbers from PFF to illustrate how DeMeco Ryans could deploy his new handpicked linebacker.
It's that time of year again! Houston Texans voluntary OTAs got cranking on Wednesday, and once again the team had a great showing from many of their top players.
Who's in attendance?
Also Sheldon Rankins, Henry To'oTo'o, Braxton Berrios.
But To'oTo'o, Berrios, Dalton Schultz, &
Dameon Pierce were in the training room rehabbing. https://t.co/C3gWULbScf
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) May 28, 2025
Let's start with some big names not in attendance. They include Joe Mixon, Christian Harris, Danielle Hunter, and new safety CJ Gardner-Johnson.
As you can see in DJ Bien-Aime's post above, some of the missing players were in the training room.
Interesting note from KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson. Mixon has been in a walking boot, but the issue is reportedly minor.
Several veterans not at #Texans voluntary OTA, including Joe Mixon, who's been in walking boot recently for injury sources call minor, Dalton Schultz, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Christian Harris, Jimmie Ward (foot surgery), Brevin Jordan (ACL tear last season), Danielle Hunter, Dameon… pic.twitter.com/Db0CUnEwNs
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 28, 2025
What does the revamped o-line look like?
Head coach DeMeco Ryans discussed the group and said we should expect a lot of “mixing and matching” as the team looks to find their best five linemen.
Wilson is reporting that rookie second-round pick Aireontae Ersery got work in at both left and right tackle.
Bien-Aime shared below what the first team o-line looked like when going through drills.
Patterson has rotated with the 1s at center.
Aireontae Ersery has rotated with the 1s at RT. https://t.co/G1KAH1Ka3L
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) May 28, 2025
Cam Robinson at left tackle, Laken Tomlinson left guard, Jake Andrews center, Tytus Howard right guard, and Blake Fisher at right tackle. Jarrett Patterson also got some work in at center. Fascinating that Howard was at RG, since he played LG for most of the season. Ersery also rotated in at RT.
How does CJ Stroud look?
And we are back .. Texans OTAs ..
CJ Stroud pic.twitter.com/BKQAoqJVV4
— DJ Bien-Aime (@Djbienaime) May 28, 2025
Stroud is in attendance, but not doing much. Davis Mills is throwing to the receivers.
#Texans backup quarterback Davis Mills is taking first string and second string reps while C.J. Stroud watches. Stroud warmed up and did some drills, but no action at the moment. Seems fine @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/STIq0qtv7K
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) May 28, 2025
How do the new receivers look?
WR drills.
Nico. Noel. Johnson. Metchie. Higgins. #Texans #OTAs pic.twitter.com/1UecK2xnYR
— Adam Wexler (@AdamJWexler) May 28, 2025
You can watch Nico Collins (No. 12), Jaylin Noel (No. 82), Jayden Higgins (No. 81) and more going through drills in the video above.
Jayden Higgins looks like a tight end. Dude is massive.
Some highlights from his first day at OTAs pic.twitter.com/A0tmNZYhOZ
— Chancellor Johnson (@ChancellorTV) May 28, 2025
Loving this new receiver group! The youth and talent infusion should pay huge dividends.
In conclusion
It's nice to see the guys back in action and to get a sneak peek at the new faces that have joined the squad. It should be a fun year watching the Texans piece together their new-look offense! Go Texans!
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