The Houston Texans have an interesting dilemma on their hands in 2024.
They have a litany of internal free agents but a lot of salary cap space. Houston also has an incredibly young team and doesn’t necessarily need to spend freely this offseason to shore up positions of need. So when it comes to the open market, it might make more sense for the Texans to look at keeping some of the team’s most important in-house players rather than look elsewhere.
Here are five players the Texans should consider resigning this offseason.
DE Jonathan Greenard
Greenard was named as the No. 1 free agent the Texans can’t lose this year – and for good reason. He led the team in sacks and proved to be an incredibly effective pass rusher alongside rookie Will Anderson Jr. It’s unclear what type of contract he’ll command, but consistent edge defenders aren’t cheap.
The market value for Greenard is $13.4 million per year, according to Spotrac, meaning the Texans would need to pony up a lot of cash to retain their top defensive free agent. Houston has the cap space to do it, the question will be if Nick Caserio wants to spend lavishly this offseason after spending frugal in 2023.
RB Devin Singletary
Singletary signed an ultra-cheap one-year, $2.75 million deal in 2023 and finished the year as the Texans’ top running back ahead of second-year rusher Dameon Pierce. He proved to be an effective starter and would likely operate as the Texans’ No. 1 back again in 2024.
Houston’s run game was one of the weakest areas on offense, and one head coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned the team will need to address this offseason. Singletary isn’t a bonafide star and might not be as inexpensive as he was in 2023, but he provides continuity on offense at a less rate than some other big names who could be available.
DT Sheldon Rankins
Rankins was the veteran leader the Texans needed in the middle of the defensive line and played like a quality interior defender as well. He is worth the near-$10 million deal he signed a year ago and should be kept to fortify Ryans’ defense in 2024.
K Ka'imi Fairbairn
Kicker consistency is extremely underrated, and the Texans would do well to retain Fairbairn. He finished the season with the second-highest field goal percentage and his only miss was from 50-plus yards. The Texans had the No. 1 special teams unit in 2023 for a reason.
OT George Fant
Fant was one of the most impactful players of the season for the Texans as a spot starter and backup offensive lineman. He provides depth at a critical area for the team and can play multiple positions on the line. Fant won’t command a huge salary, either. It would behoove Houston to sign role players comfortable in their offense than roll the dice in free agency.
