We are now covering the postseason.
Without general manager Nick Caserio’s astute summer purchases, the Houston Texans would not have been able to go from being awful to winning the AFC South. His in-season defensive patching efforts were just as important to the Texans’ late-season success as the summer additions. On a defense beset by injuries, players like Shaq Griffin, Derek Barnett, and DeAndre Houston-Carson filled crucial depth roles.
The Texans front office is overloaded with important free agency decisions to make, from this group of new signees to past selection picks. Prior to players being on the market, they must first decide which players they want to re-sign. The best free agents who re-signed are listed below.
Dalton Schultz, TE
For those who were not familiar with Schultz prior to the season, Schultz has been one of the most pleasant shocks of the entire campaign. For those who are aware of his abilities from his time spent surrounded by a superb Dallas Cowboys offense, this season has been outstanding for the adaptable player. With third-year tight end Brevin Jordan hardly seeing action and second-year tight end Teagan Quitoriano suffering an early injury, Schultz was the adult and leader of the group. With incredible receptions, he has single-handedly won the Texans multiple games. Most notably, he led a comeback victory over the Tennessee Titans a few weeks ago.
By the end of the regular season, Schultz had 59 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns. His career-high 10.8 yards per reception average was achieved. His ability to be a successful pass catcher in the league is demonstrated by his reasonably constant output when compared to his time in Dallas. When necessary, he also performs quite consistently as a blocker.
Superior tight ends are not as important as other offensive positions. Schultz presently has a $6.25 million, one-year contract that is a “prove it or lose it” situation. Houston will have to pay $7 to $10 million annually to retain one of Stroud’s top targets.
Greenard, Jonathan
Here, Greenard leads the largest cap contingent. That is to say, it’s hard to predict what his range will be because the market may be quite lucrative. Since Greenard sees himself as a team’s main pass rusher and defensive end, he will be asking for a high-end contract. That often entails a compensation of $15 to $25 million annually. But it’s evident that Houston now has Will Anderson Jr. as a new pass rush virtuoso. Houston has the money to compensate Greenard, but it would be preferable to use it for other people in more need.
The Texans would have to spend another high draft pick on a defensive end if they lost Greenard. Two outstanding defensive ends are the only thing that can compare to one. The Texans must, in a way, decide how valuable it is to pay Greenard to stay, sign whoever wins a free agency, or draft a different defensive end.
Devin Singletary
Singletary, another athlete in a “prove-it-or-lose-it” situation, was the star of his position. Singletary was projected to start the season as Dameon Pierce’s rotational backup who could catch passes out of the backfield. Singletary was returned as the primary character by the end of the season.
The most competitive position group in the league is the RB position. Singletary should attempt to re-sign in Houston for a two- to three-year deal that would be extremely favorable for him given the market, as it is depreciated on most NFL clubs. Since Singletary is only 26 years old, he still has a few years to go before he achieves his peak productivity.
Houston’s offense frequently depends on its running back. This year, Singletary surpassed the 1,000 all-purpose yards milestone, despite playing a limited role at first. In the open market, Houston can easily locate another acceptable running back alternative; but, it would be better for the team and Singletary to rework the contract.
Denzel Perryman
In my opinion, this was the best off-season acquisition. A worker, leader, and developmental asset to the defense is Perryman. At linebacker, a position where teams are also undervaluing players, Houston perhaps has the most depth in the league. With 76 tackles, Perryman was fourth on the team; he also had eight tackles for loss.
With Blake Cashman, Henry To’oTo’o, and Christian Harris, Houston is comparatively well-rounded at the position. But Perryman is a valuable veteran to have on this club because of the growth and leadership he can impart to the younger group. He is a true captain who, via his communication, toughness, and poise, aids in uniting the team. Perryman would be 32 the following season, but his retention is essential if Houston hopes to retain their talented linebacker core intact.
Dieter Michael
Though the Ravens roasted Dieter and the interior of the offensive line, they controlled the Cleveland Browns defense. A significant component of both performances was Michael Dieter.
In order to provide versatility as a seasoned guard/center option behind the array of youthful talent Houston drafted, Dieter was signed this offseason. Dieter starting ten games this season was something Houston did not anticipate. In the long run, Houston doesn’t need Dieter. He won’t challenge for a Pro Bowl and reinterpret the position. If he chooses to stay, he will be valuable to the Texans in 2024. He won’t stop the team from pressing Kenyon Green, Jarrett Patterson, and Juice Scruggs to assume the lead going forward.
Retaining Dieter would be an inexpensive way to guarantee a spot on the squad. Though it would be worthwhile to look into other free agents, it would be more beneficial to retain Dieter a Texan.
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