Exec shakeup sharpens focus on Texans hot-button denial

SPORTSMAP ROUNDTABLE

Another week, another executive position turned over within the Houston Texans front office. You don't want to miss this video as we discuss how Nick Caserio and Jack Easterby continue to pack their personnel with former Patriots staff members.

Plus, we find several more shocking similarities between the two teams heading into the 2021 season that make it even more difficult for the Texans to deny the "Patriots South" accusations.

If you enjoy the content, hit like and subscribe on YouTube.

Most Popular

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. 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.

Most Popular

SportsMap Emails
Are Awesome

Listen Live

ESPN Houston 97.5 FM