Houston With commentary from our NFL Nation writers and expert ratings, we’re keeping tabs on every significant signing, trade, and release of the 2024 offseason as NFL free agency gets set to commence. A number of starters and a crucial component were kept out of free agency by the Houston Texans, which officially opened on March 13.
The following lists every 2024 NFL free agent that the Texans signed, along with an analysis of how each will affect the forthcoming campaign: Hunter signs a two-year, $850 million contract that is almost entirely guaranteed, with $48 million of that amount guaranteed. Interpretation: Hunter strengthens the pass rush for the Texans. He is a four-time Pro Bowler who finished the 2018 season with 16 sacks for the Vikings and was selected to the second team of the All-Pro team. Will Anderson Jr., a defensive end who was recently voted the Defensive Rookie of the Year last month, joins him. In 2023, the Texans recorded a franchise-high 46 sacks. The two together with other defensive signings could allow the Texans to surpass that threshold.
What’s the risk: With the amount of money that the Texans are giving Hunter, they need him to be as impactful as he was in Minnesota to justify this aggressive signing. Autry agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal to remain in the AFC South on Monday. What it means: Autry adds to the defensive line after the Texans lost defensive end Jonathan Greenard to the Vikings. In 2023, Autry had a career-high in sacks (11.5) with 12 tackles for loss with the Tennessee Titans. In the last three seasons, he has 28.5 sacks, 54 quarterback hits and 30 tackles for loss. What’s the risk: It’s a two-year deal with $10 million guaranteed and Autry will be 34 before the season starts. When will his age eventually catch up to him?
Houston and former Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair agreed to a three-year, $34 million deal Monday. What it means: The connection between Al-Shaair and DeMeco Ryans is notable. Al-Shaair played under his new coach when Ryans was the San Francisco 49ers’ linebacker coach (2019-2020) and defensive coordinator (2021-2022). Both departed in 2023 and reunite in Houston, where Al-Shaair will be a starter for the Texans coming off a season where he finished with 163 tackles, the fifth-most in the league. What’s the risk: The money was slightly expensive as his deal will average over $10 million per year, but Al-Shaair has only had two seasons with over 100 tackles out of five. And his coverage skills were inconsistent. In 2023, according to Next Gen Stats, he allowed a passer rating of 107.5 when targeted.
