Battle Red Blog
Evaluating Texans’ defensive lineup before the draft and free agency
If you had told Texans’ fans before the season that the defense would be the team’s strength heading into 2025, many in Houston would have raised their eyebrows in astonishment.
Yet, here we are. From start to finish, the defense was the cornerstone of the Texans’ AFC playoff run. The unit is primed to return ten of its eleven starters from the 2024 season. The lone departure is defensive tackle Mario Edwards, who excelled in his one-year stint in Houston. I’ll take a moment to give flowers to prospective free agent safety Eric Murray, who stepped in admirably after injuries sidelined both Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward.
In total, the Texans are retaining 16 of 30 players from their 2024 defense. While that may seem like a daunting number to lose, depth pieces naturally come and go in today’s NFL. Expect several Texans to re-sign on one-year contracts as the team reshapes its depth.
I’ll now analyze the Texans’ depth chart. For reference, returning starters are bolded, and the year next to each player indicates when their contract is set to expire
Danielle Hunter (2025)
Will Anderson Jr. (2026)
Dylan Horton (2026)
Keeping both starters is fantastic, but another round of paydays is fast approaching for this group. Houston will eventually have to decide to keep or extend the top tier talent Danielle Hunter.
Dylan Horton was an under-the-radar contributor. His return from cancer treatment in 2023 hasn't received enough acclaim.
Derek Barnett has been a wonderful free-agent addition and has earned a second contract in Houston. He’ll be a priority free agent to return as a depth piece. Expect Houston to part ways with injured 36 year old Jerry Hughes.
Denico Autry (2025)
Tim Settle (2025)
Tommy Tongiai (2025)
Houston stands to lose three substantial contributors on the defensive line; the fantastic depth Houston possessed in 2024 was fueled with one and two-year contracts. Another veteran free-agent addition Autry will be entering his 11th season but still has plenty of gusto in a rotational role.
Separately, Texans 2024 draft pick Marcus Harris is on the Patriot’s roster via a future/reserve contract.
Texans should spend a day-two pick on a defensive tackle of the future to supplement the rotating cast of over-productive veterans Houston enlists.
Azeez Al-Shaair (2026)
Christian Harris (2025)
Henry To’oTo’o (2026)
Jamal Hill (2027)
Al-Shaair had one of the most tumultuous seasons in the entire NFL, often drawing attention with his aggressive hits. There were only a handful of games in which all three of these players were healthy and starting. Retaining the continuity among them will significantly strengthen the entire defense heading into 2025. Also look for Jamal...
