DeMeco Ryans finds the Texans answer up the middle by adding a familiar face

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DeMeco Ryans finds the Texans answer up the middle by adding a familiar face
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.

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.

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This team is loaded! Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images.

In today’s episode of First Take, Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and David Dennis Jr. break down what’s shaping up to be one of the most aggressive offseasons in the NBA, and it’s happening in Houston.

The Rockets are sending a clear message: they’re not here to wait around. With bold moves already on the board and the possibility of more to come, this front office is going all-in. But it’s not just about what they’ve done, it’s what it means.

According to Bontemps, even if the Rockets don’t make another single move, they’re already in the championship conversation.

From roster upgrades to long-term vision, the Rockets’ approach has the league watching closely. This episode unpacks the implications and why Houston’s time might be now.

Don't miss the video below to watch the full conversation!

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