Houston — When it comes to rebuilding the Houston Texans’ roster, general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans must make several key decisions. Houston’s roster makeover will begin on Tuesday, when teams may apply franchise tags to players whose contracts are expiring. The Texans have 25 players who might become free agents in March, including defensive end Jonathan Greenard. The veteran edge rusher wants to stay in Houston. Greenard is the Texans’ top candidate for a franchise tag, with a salary of $23.3 million set for the 2024 season, according to Over the Cap.
At this point, they know I love Houston and I absolutely want to return, but as we all know, it isn’t up to me,” Greenard stated after the Texans’ Division Round defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. “At this point, I can’t do much else. I feel like I’ve put my portfolio out there and completed that chapter, and the rest will take care of itself. If they have me back, I’m going to go 10 toes; if not, that’s how the game works.”
Greenard had a team-high 12.5 sacks, which tied for 10th in the NFL, and 52 tackles in 15 games. He also played an important role in the Texans’ rebuilt run defence. Greenard received a 67.2 run-defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Since his entrance as a third-round pick (number 90 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft, Greenard has been eager about helping the Texans turn their franchise around. The Texans have always favoured Greenard, and a successful 2023 campaign has resulted in a well-deserved payday. Perhaps it would be in Houston’s best interests to sign Greenard rather than settle for the franchise tag.
Retaining Greenard might cost the Texans $13.4 million in annual salaries for the next four years. And, given Ryan’s emphasis on defensive investment, Houston might find it easier to pay Greenard than to replace his services. “Everything I believe in, it starts up front with the rush and also with the offensive line and protecting,” Ryans said in a statement. “So, we’ll keep building with our fronts. Start at the top and work backwards, that’s how I see it, and Jonathan had a fantastic year.”
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