When head coach DeMeco Ryans spoke about the team's top priorities heading into next season, improving the defensive line was at the top of the list.

And so far, the Texans have done exactly that. After adding several key pieces in the first week of free agency Houston continued the trend by re-signing defensive end Derek Barnett to a 1-year deal, per KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson.

Houston added Barnett (age 27) off waivers from the Eagles in late November, and got good production from the move. Barnett played in six regular season games, starting four.

He recorded 2.5 sacks, 19 tackles, and 11 QB hits. And the timing of his arrival was key as the Texans were down their top pass rusher, Jonathan Greenard, who was dealing with an ankle injury in the last three games of the regular season.

Barnett also played in both Texans' playoff games. He had 1 sack, 7 tackles, and 2 QB hits.

With Barnett, Will Anderson, Denico Autry, and Danielle Hunter rushing the passer, the Texans should have plenty of firepower to harass opposing quarterbacks this season.