Texans' DeMeco Ryans makes his feelings known on free agent running back
STRONG WORDS
27 February 2024
STRONG WORDS
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke at the NFL Combine on Tuesday and shared his thoughts on a lot of different topics thrown at him by the media.
But what really caught our attention was how he answered questions about Texans free agent running back Devin Singletary and Houston free agent tight end Dalton Schultz.
There's been a lot of discussion about the Texans adding a top tier running back this offseason, with only Dameon Pierce guaranteed to return.
Superstar running back Saquon Barkley has shown interest in joining the team. He's reportedly been communicating with CJ Stroud according to KPRC's Aaron Wilson.
Based on today, it sure sounds like the team will hope to bring back a much more affordable option in Singletary.
When asked about Singletary, DeMeco said, “Yeah, very pleased with Devin. I remember sitting in a free agent visit with Devin, and just his personality, his demeanor. He's a guy I knew I wanted to work with right away… We'll see what happens in free agency, but we'd love to have Devin back. Just because of what he brought to our team. He was definitely a bright spot for us in the running back room.”
That's a pretty big endorsement from the head coach. But it doesn't necessarily mean the team is out on Barkley. The Texans are top 10 in cap space, so there's a possibility the team could sign both backs. Or neither for that matter. We'll have to wait and see.
Ryans also shared his thoughts on how he evaluates players saying, “For me, it's always person over player.”
So it's safe to say Singletary checks all the boxes in DeMeco's eyes.
What about Schultz?
DeMeco had good things to say about Schultz. Maybe not to the level of his thoughts on Singletary (which we had to edit for brevity) but very positive. Here's what he had to say:
“Dalton did a really nice job for us in the passing game [in] those two-minute drives where we were able to win a few games, Dalton really showed up. Situational football, third down, he showed up making big catches for us. We'll see what happens with Dalton in free agency, but I'm very proud of what he did for us last year.”
The reality of the situation with Schultz could be coming into play here. Dalton is the top tight end on the market, so the Texans might have to overpay to get him back in the fold.
GM Nick Caserio may consider using the franchise tag on Schultz. That would keep him in a Texans uniform, but it won't come cheap. He would cost the team around $12 million if they decide to tag him. But this isn't a very strong draft or free agent market for tight ends, so they may be tempted to spend a little extra to keep the continuity between him and CJ Stroud.
Head Coach DeMeco Ryans: 'We're looking for guys that are separators'Houston Texans' Head Coach DeMeco Ryans spoke to the media about how he evaluates players at the combine and what's ...
Be sure to watch the video above to hear all of DeMeco Ryans' thoughts from the NFL Combine.
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Isaac Paredes hit a solo homer and Jose Altuve doubled twice and had two RBIs to lead the Houston Astros over the Chicago White Sox 4-3 on Thursday night.
ISAAC DOING ISAAC THINGS.#VoteParedes ⭐️ https://t.co/W06pfHRkGz pic.twitter.com/zMZ8lnoU1j
— Houston Astros (@astros) June 13, 2025
Houston led 4-2 entering the ninth before Mike Tauchman homered to right field off closer Josh Hader to get Chicago within 4-3. There were two outs when Miguel Vargas narrowly missed a homer on a double off the wall in left field.
But Hader struck out Austin Slater to improve to 18 of 18 on save opportunities this season.
Paredes appeared to injure his leg trying to beat out a double play in the seventh inning and was replaced at third base in the eighth. Manager Joe Espada said he had an unspecified injury to his left hamstring but that they don't believe that it's serious. He added that they'd have more information on Friday.
The Astros led by one with one out in the fifth when Paredes connected on his shot to left-center off Davis Martin (2-7) to make it 4-2. Martin yielded seven hits and four runs with five strikeouts in six innings.
Houston starter Framber Valdez (7-4) allowed seven hits and two runs with a season-high 12 strikeouts in five innings.
Edgar Quero had three hits and two RBIs and Vargas had two doubles and a triple for the White Sox, who fell to 7-28 on the road.
Altuve, who is primarily playing left field this season after spending his first 14 seasons at second base, made a leaping grab near the wall in left field in the seventh to rob Chase Meidroth of extra bases.
Hader's strikeout of Slater to end it.
Hader has the most saves without a blown save in the majors this season and his streak is the second longest in franchise history to start a season behind a 21-game streak by Dave Smith in 1989.
The White Sox open a three-game series at Texas and the Astros play the opener of a three-game series against Minnesota on Friday.