Texans Defender Lands Significant Contract Change

The Houston Texans continue to make adjustments to their cap numbers ahead of free agency.

First, Houston opted to restructure the deal of wide receiver Nico Collins to clear $9.8 million in salary cap space, and now they're doing similarly on the defensive end.

According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Texans have restructured the contract of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to free $6.26 million in cap space less than a week ahead of free agency.

Cap-clearing season continues:#Texans did a simple restructure on LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s contract, clearing $6.26M#Dolphins’ restructure of LB Bradley Chubb cleared $16.3M #Chargers’ release of DE Joey Bosa cleared $25.36M #Colts’ release of DL Raekwon Davis cleared $6.49M pic.twitter.com/WmZJMaUZ8b
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 7, 2025

After the Texans opted to shake up their receiver room by bringing in Christian Kirk on Thursday, the front office now follows up by clearing space taken up by that new acquisition by restructuring Al-Shaair's deal, providing a bit more flexibility ahead of the league market opening.

Al-Shaair, a Texans captain, was signed to a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason en route to becoming a consistent part of the Texans' defense when on the field in 2024. He started in 11 games to post 70 tackles, 7 TFLs, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Houston linebacker also saw a three-game suspension due to his controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Looking ahead to what's to come, don't be surprised if the Texans continue to jump through some salary cap hoops in the coming days to maximize their flexibility. Keep an eye on Danielle Hunter and Laremy Tunsil as other restructure candidates as the team could clear over $20 million in room by adjusting both deals.

NFL free agency negotiations officially kick off across the league at noon ET on Monday, March 10th.

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