With so much optimism and potential heading into the 2024 season, from the new faces to the budding stars, it’s easy to move on and forget about who isn’t returning to the Houston Texans. Particularly, Houston lost a significant amount of starters on defense and depth across the offensive line. It’s been a while since Houston has had talent other teams coveted in the offseason. That’s what happens when players agree on short term deals and the players capitalize on their opportunity. General Manger Nick Caserio did a fantastic job addressing needs and filling holes across both sides of the ball. It’s why Caserio received such adulation.
Here are the main players who Houston let seek greener pastures.
DE - Jonathan Greenard: Minnesota Vikings - 4 years, $76M ($38M guaranteed)
Analysis: Swapping Greenard for Danielle Hunter takes the sting out of losing the defensive end. Hunter signed for a 2 year, $49M contract with $48M guaranteed - a more hefty contract indeed, but there’s more proof of Hunter’s output than Greenard. Greenard was a fantastic foil to Will Anderson Jr., but Houston can afford to make these big swings while C.J. Stroud is on his rookie contract.
LB - Blake Cashman: Minnesota Vikings - 3 years, $22.5M ($15M guaranteed)
Analysis: Another player Houston made a high-price tagged like-for-like change. Houston opted to pay Azeez Al-Shaair a 3 year, $34M paycheck instead. Houston trades the 106 tackles from Cashman for the 163 tackles by Al-Shaair last season. Houston mainly runs a two linebacker set, leaving the need for a third top flight linebacker such as Cashman a luxury that they obviously didn’t deem necessary. Cashman will be the cornerstone of a remodeled Vikings defense.
CB - Steven Nelson: Retired
Steven Nelson isolated himself from Houston through his outrageous social media comments. Personally, Nelson was the most overrated person on the defense and, at times, was picked on by low-quality QBs, particularly down the stretch of the season. Losing Nelson opens up a gaping hole at the other starting cornerback position opposite of Derek Stingley Jr. Houston has drafted rookie Kamari Lassiter and added several veterans to patch the hole. The lack of interest from around the league does validate Houston decision not to bring back the headache.
LB - Denzel Perryman: Los Angeles Chargers - 1 year, $2.3M ($1.88M guaranteed)
Perryman was one of the first ever draft profiles I analyzed back in 2015 when he was coming out of Miami. The 31 year old linebacker has put together a legitimate NFL career and now begun his journeyman tour. His one season in Houston featured 76 tackles as he took a leadership role in the MIKE linebacker position. He featured primarily in three linebacker sets with Blake Cashman and Christian Harris and was fantastic against the run. The decision to not bring back will open the door for Al-Shaair to take a major role in the defense, but does ask questions of Houston’s depth at the linebacker position.
DT - Sheldon Rankins: Cincinnati Bengals - 2 years, $24.5M ($8M guaranteed)
According to reports, Houston wanted to bring back Rankins, but Cincinnati rolled in with a bigger, better deal. Rankins was absolutely fantastic as a pass rusher and run stopper throughout the season. He struggled against Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round, but overall Rankins had his best season in years and made the most out of his one year stint in Houston. Houston has amalgamated several defensive tackle options to try to replace Rankins. He may be the most missed player on this list.
RB - Devin Singletary: New York Giants - 3 years, $16.5M ($9.5M guaranteed)
This is an eye popping number for Singletary. He’ll be the 15th highest paid RB in the league, which statistically makes sense but is nonetheless hard to believe. He took the position by storm this season and earned the starting role. DeMeco Ryans said he would have loved to resign the RB, but the opportunity to start was too much to pass up. He will replace Saquon Barkley in New York, which is a tall task. Houston dolled out $25.6M to Joe Mixon on a three year contract after Singletary left and should see improved production from what Singletary was able to offer.
IOL - Michael Dieter: Washington Commanders - 1 year, $1.8M ($320k guaranteed)
This is a good decision for Dieter as he has a legitimate chance to start on a horrible Commanders offensive line. Dieter anchored a deteriorating offensive line. The swing lineman ended up starting 10 games - more than anyone would’ve predicted or wanted - and performed admirably.
Houston knew it was going to move forward with its three young, injured interior offensive lineman - Juice Scruggs, Kenyon Green, and Jarrett Patterson. Losing Dieter’s experience and positional flexibility hurts, but if the trio stays healthy you won’t even remember this loss.
OT - George Fant: Seattle Seahawks - 2 years, $9.1M ($3.7M guaranteed)
Fant returns to Seattle after one season in Houston, starting 13 games across both table spots. Fant is a capable starter when given the opportunity, especially as a pass blocker. Losing Fant opened up the opportunity for Houston to draft Blake Fisher. Houston does have its starters in place, but Fant played well. Houston had no business paying Fant what Seattle gave him so they should be at peace with this decision.
DT - Teair Tart: Miami Dolphins - 1 year, $1.3M ($567.5k guaranteed)
Tart was one of the better mid-season additions. The defensive tackle was added in Week 17 and played well in a rotational role. He was expected to return to Houston this offseason, but Miami came in and swept Tart away with a good contract and chance to start right away on their defensive line.
OT - Josh Jones: Baltimore Ravens - 1 year, $1.8M ($665k guaranteed)
Houston other backup tackle, Jones also left to take on a potential starting role at right tackle in Baltimore. They drafted developmental tackle Roger Rosengarten, but don’t be surprised if Jones ends up protecting Lamar Jackson. Houston didn’t keep Jones and it shouldn’t be overly worried.
