The Houston Texans added a talented veteran to their linebacking corps in free agency with Denzel Perryman.
The former 2021 Pro Bowler is coming off labrum surgery as he seeks to play for his third NFL team in his ninth season.
Perryman knows the style of play that he can bring to the Texans as new coach DeMeco Ryans deploys his system.
“Tone-setter, big-hitter, physical guy — basically, somebody that’s going to give it their all every single play,” Perryman said. “Put my body on the line every single play, and a vocal leader. I try to lead by example, but sometimes the vocal part comes out of me, and, yeah, you’re just going to get a character.”
Perryman generated 83 combined tackles along with 14 tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, 1.0 sack, two interceptions, and two pass breakups through 12 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, 11 of which he started.
As the former San Diego Chargers 2015 second-round pick gears up for his 97th career game, Perryman attributes his staying power in the league to be a matter of good health.
Said Perryman: “What I can say is health, just being healthy. The best ability is availability. Obviously, throughout my career, I haven’t played a full season yet. But, what I can say is just learn how to take care of your body. Resting, what you put in your body, all that stuff is really important whether you play football or not.”
Perryman’s 1,418 defensive snaps logged with the Raiders over the past two seasons were the most of his career in a two-year span.
