'Great Vet!' Texans Praise Jonathan Greenard Ahead of Free Agency
DeMeco Ryans likes where the Houston Texans are with a young nucleus of players set to return in 2024.
There's reason for optimism toward Ryans' belief following a 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Quarterback and likely Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. Stroud isn't going anywhere. Neither is rising pass-rusher Will Anderson Jr.
Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., safety Jalen Pitre, and linebacker Christian Harris are all back to build a foundation on defense. On offense, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell and interior offensive lineman Juice Scruggs should all return to the starting lineup, too.
But the potential departure of defensive end Jonathan Greenard creates a small, but noticeable concern for the Texans' pass rush as the offseason begins. Greenard is now a free agent and must look at the big picture before putting ink to paper.
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"Jonathan did a really great job for us," Ryans said during his end-of-the-year press conference Monday morning. "This was his most productive year. It was the best year of his career. He did some really great things that allowed us to be in a position to win games."
Greenard did more than help Houston secure victories. He set the tone in the pass rush, especially amid a late-season push toward the postseason.
A 2020 third-round pick out of Florida, Greenard, 26, posted career-highs in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (15) and recorded 52 total tackles. Six of his sacks came in his final four games, including two against the New York Jets and 2.5 against the Tennessee Titans.
But it was more than just his on-field play. Greenard served as a vocal presence in the locker room, often relaying advice to rookies on how to better prepare for gamedays and handle tough losses. Stroud said Greenard pulled him aside after the Week 1 loss against Baltimore and told him "we'd seen them again" down the line.
Anderson said Greenard welcomed him like family, hosting him for the holidays and taking him out to dinners. On the field, Anderson was a terror for offensive tackles to block. With Greenard, he was able to be "little Will," the young rookie having fun while making a few outbursts along the way.
"JG's been a great vet for me," said Anderson. "He's been such a help this year. Just watching him grow and receive all the blessings he's deserved with everything he's been through, his testimony has been strong.
"He just brings a type of energy and type of juice to the room that's unmatched."
Anderson, the Texans' first-round pick, is expected to be the next great enforcer off the edge, implementing talents like Mario Williams, Jadevon Clowney and J.J. Watt. His potential and upside were deciding factors that led to Houston trading two first-round picks and a second to the Arizona Cardinals to move up nine spots and make the pick.
But Anderson knows everyone starts at the bottom, even first-rounders. The rookie didn't care that Greenard wasn't a Day 1 selection. He's a Day 1 difference-maker that teammates feed off before the snap in the huddle.
That mantra will carry weight in free agency.
Greenard said following Saturday's loss he's hopeful to return next season and build upon an 11-8 finish. He also wants to be properly compensated for his efforts this past season, primarily in terms of annual salary.
Greenard's 12.5 sacks rank 10th nationally among the top pass rushers this season. Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Josh Allen, who finished second with 17.5 sacks, is an impending free agent. So is Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike, who finished with 13 quarterback takedowns.
Dallas Cowboys All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons is up for an extension, too, though Jerry Jones will have at least two more years to get a deal lined up. Of the top 10 leaders in sacks and tackles for loss, Greenard is one of three set to hit free agency.
Depending on how the market pans out, Greenard could command somewhere between $17-$21 million per year on his next contract. It's a substantial raise, but pass rusher is a premier position in today's game.
Houston, which enters the offseason with roughly $71.5 million in cap space, according to Over the Cap, could afford to offer Greenard a salary along those terms, but it won't be alone in the hunt. Ryans said he and general manager Nick Caserio would look over the roster and see where they are over the next several weeks.
Everything for Ryans is about building on 2023. Sometimes it means retaining as much talent to keep the same persona.
Other times, it means saying goodbye to players no longer a part of the long-term plan.
"We would love to feel that all of our free agents would like to be here, and they enjoy playing in Houston," said Ryans. "It's a special place. It's a special team, a special organization."
