It’s simple to move on and forget about the players that won’t be back for the Houston Texans with so much promise and hope for the 2024 season, from the new faces to the rising stars. In particular, Houston lost a good number of defensive and offensive line depth starters. It’s been a while since Houston has had talent other clubs desired in the summer. When players take advantage of their opportunity and accept to short-term deals, that is what occurs. On both sides of the ball, General Manager Nick Caserio performed an outstanding job of attending to requirements and covering gaps. That explains why Caserio was so well-liked.
These are the key players that Houston let go in search of better opportunities.
Minnesota Vikings – DE Jonathan Greenard – 4 years, $76 million ($38 million guaranteed)
Analysis: Danielle Hunter replaces Greenard, which lessens the pain of losing the defensive end. Although Hunter’s contract is more substantial than Greenard’s—it is a two-year, $49 million deal with a $48 million guarantee—there is more evidence of Hunter’s performance. While C.J. Stroud is still in his rookie contract, Houston can afford to take these major risks. Greenard was an excellent counterbalance to Will Anderson Jr.
Minnesota Vikings – LB Blake Cashman – $3 years, $22.5 million ($15 million guaranteed)
Analysis: An additional participant Houston implemented a like-for-like, high-price tagged adjustment. Instead, Houston chose to give Azeez Al-Shaair a $34 million salary over three years. Houston exchanges Cashman’s 106 tackles for Al-Shaair’s 163 tackles from the previous campaign. Since Houston primarily uses a two-linebacker formation, having a third elite linebacker like Cashman is plainly not necessary. The foundation of a revamped Vikings defense will be Cashman.
Steven Nelson, CB, is retired.
Analysis: An extra individual Houston introduced a high-price tagged adjustment that was like-for-like. Rather, Houston made the decision to pay Azeez Al-Shaair $34 million over the course of three years. Houston trades Al-Shaair’s 163 tackles from the previous season for Cashman’s 106 tackles. It is obvious that Houston does not need a third top linebacker like Cashman because they mostly play a two-linebacker configuration. Cashman will be the cornerstone of the Vikings’ redesigned defense.
CB Steven Nelson is no longer active.
Houston reportedly wanted to bring Rankins back, but Cincinnati offered a better, bigger deal. Throughout the season, Rankins was an outstanding run stopper and pass rusher. Although Rankins had a difficult game against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round, he enjoyed his best season in a long time and made the most of his brief stay in Houston. In an attempt to replace Rankins, Houston has combined a number of possibilities for defensive tackles. On this list, he might be the player who is most missed.
