Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans might run it back in 2024 with a similar team to the one that won the AFC South and a wild card game this past season.
The team is seemingly interested in keeping five of its top internal impending free agents, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson: defensive end Jonathan Greenard, running back Devin Singletary, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, linebacker Blake Cashman and tight end Dalton Schultz
All five played crucial roles in Houston’s ascent from the bottom to the top of the division this past year. Greenard led the team in sacks with 12.5, Singletary led the team in rushing with 898 yards, Rankins recorded six sacks, Cashman led the team with 106 combined tackles and Schultz turned into a reliable target who finished second in receptions, third in yards and third in touchdowns.
Caserio and Ryans both effusively praised all five at the NFL scouting combine this week in Indianapolis and Caserio even noted that he’ll focus on internal free agents before looking at external ones.
“The focus right now is on our free agents,” Caserio said. “We’re working through the process with them. We have as many free agents as any team in the league, so we’ve had a lot of dialogue, constructive dialogue with a number of representatives and free agents.”
The issue with all four will be money.
Greenard will likely be the most expensive considering this will be his second contract and he’s coming off a career-year in Houston. As a top-flight edge rusher, Greenard could command upwards of $13 million annually. Schultz is one of the best tight ends on the market as well, meaning teams in need of a good player at his position could pay up if they don’t trust the rest of the field or any of the draft prospects. Schultz, though, did publicly say he wants to return to the team – for whatever that’s worth.
Singletary, Rankins and Cashman could be a little cheaper despite all three coming off a quality seasons.
Singletary took the reigns as the lead back in Houston, but Ryans sounded like a coach would wants to upgrade the unit. That doesn’t mean Singletary wouldn’t return, but the Texans might want someone who offers a little more to the offense than Singletary provided. Houston’s been linked to a number of top free agent running backs this offseason, including New York Giants star Saquon Barkley.
Rankins will be 30 in April but had his highest output as a starter since 2018. He only signed a one-year, $9.75 million deal this past season to join Houston.
Cashman is a massive wildcard. His production was elite, but he’s also been a bit injury prone at times and plays a position that could be replaceable if the price is right. However, that also means Cashman’s contract demands might not be as high as other free agents if Houston wants to maintain continuity on defense.
Free agency begins un officially on March 11 and officially on March 13. Time is running out for Caserio to make decisions on these players.
