'We'll See': Texans Coach DeMeco Ryans Provides Update On Jonathan Greenard, Dalton Schultz Contract Discussions
INDIANAPOLIS -- Everything is on the table for the Houston Texans entering free agency.
That includes offering a long-term extension to staples of an AFC South postseason run in tight end Dalton Schultz and defensive end Jonathan Greenard.
Neither player is guaranteed to come back, but neither is out of the realm of picking up a lucrative extension under the expanded $30.6 million to the salary cap space.
DeMeco Ryans will have a say in the free agency haul. When asked about Greenard's status, the first-year coach said he was pleased with the fourth-year pro's breakout year, but nothing is promised in terms of a reunion.
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (86) celebrates receiving a pass against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Dec. 17, 2023.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
"JG did a good job for us," said Ryans Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. "He was very productive, his play was physical. He did the things we asked him to do. We'll see where free agency plays out but we love JG. We loved what he did for us this year."
Greenard is coming off a career-defining season as the Texans' leading pass-rusher. Rookie phenom Will Anderson Jr. drew in the reviews. Greenard drew the better pass blocker in one-on-one sets.
Greenard led the team with 12.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss in 15 games. Between Weeks 7-14, the former third-round pick displayed skills that coaches salivate over when game-planning. He recorded three multi-sack outings, including 2.5 in an eventual division-clinching win over the Tennessee Titans in Week 15.
What's the asking price? Spotrac projected Greenard to earn $13.4 million annually, but given the value of the pass-rushing position and the standout season, he could demand double. Pass rushers like Packers' Rashaan Gary, Steelers' Alex Highsmith and Bengals' Sam Hubbard mirror staple names in the trenches and still commanded over $19 million annually.
One source believes Greenard could earn up to $25 million annually with the right fit, especially following the salary cap's upgrade.
Schultz, who signed a one-year deal after a five-year stay with the Dallas Cowboys, opened the passing game and gave C.J. Stroud security across the middle of the field.
Much like Greenard, Ryans was non-committal on extension talks but was pleased with Schultz's impact, especially late in games on critical moments.
"Dalton did a really nice job for us in the passing game when we were in those two-minute drives where we were able to win a few games, Dalton really showed up," said Ryans. "Situational football. Third down. He showed up making big catches for us. We'll see what happens with Dalton in free agency, but I'm very proud of what he did for us last year."
The Texans' offense shouldn't see glaring changes in personnel with the return of offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. Quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, who first began working with Stroud at Elite 11 camps in high school, is also expected back after interviewing for several coordinator positions this winter.
But Houston isn't looking to take a step back. In Year 1 with a new coach, quarterback and slew of young talent, the Texans doubled their win total and returned to the postseason for the first time in four years.
Stroud, Anderson and Ryans were influential, but so were Schultz and Greenard. There's a common ground when it comes to negotiation.
There's also a common understanding that sometimes paying a little extra could be the difference between a Lomabardi or loss.
"When you have that first-hand look of the guys who you've spent day after day with, you know them," said Ryans. You know their strengths. You know their weaknesses. You know everything about the player.
"For me, it's always person over player and bringing the right person in is of high importance to me.”
