Houston — Jonathan Greenard, a seasoned edge rusher for the Houston Texans, will be a free agency this offseason and wants to stay with his present team. And the Texans should feel the same way about Greenard following a stellar career season.
In 15 games, Greenard added 52 tackles and a team-high 12.5 sacks, good for a tie for 10th place in the league. He was a key component of the Texans’ redesigned run defense as well. Pro Football Focus reports that Greenard received a run-defensive grade of 67.2.
The coach, DeMeco Ryans, wants every player to feel the same way as he does about wanting to stay in Houston. But this spring, the Texans’ first focus ought to be getting Greenard back on board.
“Jonathan, specifically, he did a really great job for us,” Ryans stated. “I believe it was the best year of his career and the most fruitful for him. He accomplished some truly amazing things that put us in a position to win some games.”
Since being selected by the Texans in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Florida, Greenard has been an essential member of the defense. For the previous four seasons, he was among Houston’s best pass rushers. Greenard is vital to Houston, but his experience as a leader in the locker room is also a big part of his significance.
He formed an exceptional relationship with rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr., and the former Alabama prospect was able to successfully transition to the NFL with his instruction.
The pass-rushing tandem developed such a strong bond that Anderson felt at ease acting goofy in front of his more experienced teammates.
The Texans might have to pay an estimated $18 million a year in wages to retain Greenard. Paying Greenard would also be easier for Houston than trying to find a replacement for him, given Ryans’ high regard for investing on the defensive line.
“Everything I believe in, it starts up front with the rush and also with the offensive line and protecting,” Ryans stated. Thus, we’ll keep constructing with our fronts. In my opinion, one should start at the top and work their way back, and Jonathan had a fantastic year.
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