The Houston Texans have been extremely active throughout the 2026 offseason. The franchise has been active on the trade market while also addressing some needs throughout the roster via free agency. General Manager Nick Caserio has checked many of the necessary boxes so far, but the 2026 NFL Draft is looming, and a few contract situations might need to be addressed.
The biggest contract situations in Houston that fans might be worried about involve the franchise’s top two picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson. Both players are expected to have their fifth-year options picked up for the 2027 season, but extensions will also come, and they are both expected to be very lucrative.
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Another player to focus on is inside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. He is seen as the quarterback of the defense and a true leader for the Texans. He is entering the final season of his contract, which means he is scheduled to hit free agency during the 2027 offseason. ESPN discussed him being a potential free agent, “Al-Shaair is an urgent run stopper who racked up over 100 tackles in Houston last season. Plus, he showed up in the pass defense with two interceptions and six pass breakups. He should be viewed as a productive three-down defender in free agency.”
There is no doubting Al-Shaair’s importance to the Texans and the dominant defense that has been on display over the last couple of seasons. An extension for the leader could come before the 2026 season, or after the season before he officially hits free agency. The safer move would be to extend him before the 2026 season kicks off, as he may want to test the open market if he makes it through the 2026 season without a new deal.
The last contract Al-Shaair signed was during the 2024 offseason, when he signed a three-year, $34 million deal with Houston. The price tag is expected to be a bit higher for the linebacker on his next deal, as Spotrac has projected he will sign a three-year, $39 million deal. If that deal is signed with Houston before the 2026 season, it will be viewed as an extension that would keep him on the roster through the 2029 season. His average salary would be just over $13 million per season.
It will be interesting to see how Houston approaches this situation with Al-Shaair, as cap space could become an issue for the franchise in the near future.