Tag: Houston Texans

Texans OTAs: Laremy Tunsil, Tytus Howard absent from Thursday’s practice

While expected, both of the Houston Texans starting offensive tackles were not at NRG Stadium for voluntary workouts on Thursday morning.

While the Houston Texans welcomed three players to voluntary OTAs this week, two more players remained absent.

Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil and offensive lineman Tytus Howard were not in attendance Thursday, though that was expected given their injury status.

Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs, defensive end Danielle Hunter and offensive lineman Shaq Mason returned to practice after missing last week.

Tunsil, the Texans’ top offensive lineman and blindside blocker for C.J. Stroud, underwent knee surgery following the season to clean up an issue that arose midway through the year. He’s expected to make a full recovery and not miss time once he returns.

Howard, who signed a three-year extension worth $56 million prior to the start of last training camp, remains a mystery. He suffered a knee injury that required season-ending surgery in a home loss against AFC South rival Jacksonville.

When healthy, Howard has proven to be a sturdy run blocker at right tackle and a multi-purpose chess piece on the line, but injuries have plagued his career in Houston. Entering mandatory camp next week, Howard likely won’t be back to full speed.

Entering his sixth season, Howard is expected to be back at some point in training camp and start at right tackle. For insurance, the Texans drafted Notre Dame right tackle prospect Blake Fisher at pick No. 59.

Through voluntary OTAs, it’s been Fisher working with the first-team unit at right tackle. Expectations are he’ll be a part of Houston’s long-term plan protecting Stroud.

Workouts right now are voluntary, so it’s not as if either player is holding out for a new contract. Both have been paid since the hiring of Nick Caserio and remain under the cap through at least 2025.

When healthy, Tusnil, who turns 30 in August, remains one of the top left tackles in the league. Last season while helping Stroud become the first Texans player to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Tunsil allowed 23 pressures on 571 pass-blocking snaps in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.

Tunsil has been working out on his own, so he should be in shape for the start of minicamp next week down off NRG Drive.

Rookie Kamari Lassiter carving out prominent role with Texans in OTAs

Entering June, Houston Texans rookie Kamari Lassiter has seen plenty of reps at both the nickel and boundary cornerback spot.

The Houston Texans expect second-round pick Kamari Lassiter to be a fixture of the secondary during his rookie season, but his home remains a mystery.

Will the Georgia product start in the nickel like most expect?

Will he transition to the boundary full-time like he did after his freshman campaign in Athens?

All that will be determined down the line, but at least Lassiter is carving out first-team reps to close out voluntary OTAs.

During 7-on-7 drills, Lassiter worked the starts opposite Derek Stingley Jr. on the boundary. He broke up a pass intended for second-year starter Tank Dell and looked fluid when asked to cover Noah Brown and Robert Woods.

The hope is Lassiter will remain a staple throughout his Texans’ tenure. If he starts on the outside, perhaps that leads to a shift down for safety Jimmie Ward or Jalen Pitre should third-round pick Calen Bullock prove to be ready for full-time snaps.

But Lassiter has competition on the outside. Houston added former first-rounders C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah due to their success in man coverage.

Albeit Houston is their third stop in five seasons, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans assured both former top 10 picks that arriving in his defense would serve as a clean state.

Just because it’s a fresh start does not mean Ryans will send either player out with the starters come Week 1 on the road against the Indianapolis Colts. Consistency in practice warrants starting reps on gameday, as evident by Dell’s emergence starting in Week 3’s win over Jacksonville.

Defensive coordinator Matt Burke likes how Lassiter’s position versatility can open up the unit depending on matchups. He’s not ready to decide what best fits the former All-SEC corner yet, so getting him exposure in both spots feels like a no-brainer.

“A little bit is going to be how much he can absorb,” Burke said Thursday following practice. “He’s just a really smart football player and grasps things pretty well.”

WATCH: Former Ohio State cornerback Jeff Okudah seems to be impressing in Houston

Could this be a breakout year for Jeff Okudah in a new location? #GoBucks

If we think back to the 2019 season, one of the most dynamic difference makers on the Ohio State football team was cornerback Jeff Okudah. A Texas native, Okudah came to Columbus as one of the most coveted defensive backs in the country and it didn’t take long for him to show his talents.

As a freshman, Okudah played in all 14 games, but it was his senior season that was dominant. He finished the 2019 season as a unanimous All-American and a finalist for the Thorpe Award. He ended up becoming a first round draft pick when the Detroit Lions selected him with the third pick.

Injuries derailed his ability to make a mark early, and eventually traded to the Atlanta Falcons but he’s now on a one-year contract with the Houston Texans. And, by the looks of it, he seems to be fully healthy making plays in the team’s OTAs.

Here’s a look at those coverage skills we got used to seeing when Okudah was wearing the Scarlet and Gray thanks to video shared by the Ohio State Football X account.

Here’s to wishing Okudah good health and a bounce back season that shows the world what he can really be on the gridiron.

 

Texans excited for Danielle Hunter to flourish in DeMeco Ryans’ defense

Now at practice, the Houston Texans expect big things from Danielle Hunter in 2024 coming off the edge.

Two is better than one, especially when adding pressure to a quarterback off the edge. Houston Texans‘ gunslinger C.J. Stroud knows what it feels like to have the pocket collapse and end a play.

He’s also lucky to only face Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter in practice and not during the regular season.

Hunter, the prized addition to the Texans’ defensive line, gave a taste of what Texans fans should expect coming off the edge during drills at Thursday’s voluntary OTAs. During an 11-on-11 drill, Stroud could find a target downfield for a first down.

Instead, he found Hunter inches away from placing him on his back.

“Danielle obviously has a history of success rushing the passer,” Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke said. “We think that, hopefully, playing in this front and stylistically can even enhance that. Partnering him with Will (Anderson Jr.) and the other guys we have rushing, we’re excited to see how that comes to fruition.”

Signed to a two-year, $49 million deal this offseason, that play is what Houston is hoping to get on the regular from the Houston native who wanted to return home. The only difference is that Blake Fisher, the second-round pick out of Notre Dame, won’t be Hunter’s target.

All-Pro Ronnie Stanley from Baltimore will.

So will veteran Taylor Decker and Pro Bowler Penei Sewell from Detriot.

Oh, and don’t forget about standout Dion Dawkins from Buffalo. He arrives at NRG Stadium for the Stefon Diggs revenge match in Week 5.

Hunter should live up to the billing back home. He’s coming off a career-high and lead-leaguing 23.5 tackles for loss. He also finished top-five nationally in sacks (16.5) and totaled 84 tackles.

Hunter alone would create chaos, but having Anderson, the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year, only doubles the concern.

“If they’re focusing attention on Hunter or Will or whoever, it sort of unlocks some other things that we can do or how we manipulate some of those (pass) protections,” Burke said. “I think just having (Hunter’s) presence and his history of what he’s done in the league, teams are going to have to account for where he is and how we’re using him.”

Hunter, who currently ranks sixth among active pass-rushers in sacks (87.5), could hit triple-digits if he emulates similar numbers from his time in Minneapolis. Anderson, who broke J.J. Watt’s rookie sack record, is looking to hit the double-digit marker for the first time in his young career.

Adding Hunter should open the pass rush for Anderson. Most teams with two high-upside pass rushers see one used as the decoy for the other attacks. That doesn’t mean both defenders can’t hit 10-plus sacks or tackles for loss.

Anderson, who finished third in pressure rate among all pass-rushers in 2023, should see those numbers double with another year in the system. With Hunter in the fold, Burke isn’t expecting breakout numbers, but he is expecting better production.

“There was times last year Will was just throwing fastballs and being Will, but I think his understanding the defense and protections and things like that are growing as I have conversations with him. Excited to see where he takes that, for sure.”

Breaking down Texans WR Nico Collins new three-year extension

Here’s how Nico Collins’ contract works going into his new three-year, $72.5 million extension with the Houston Texans.

Nico Collins is a newly-paid man and the long-term No. 1 receiver in the Houston Texans’  offense. Good, it’s just what the AFC South champions need to build off a promising first season under C.J. Stroud. 

How much will Collins make annually on the current three-year, $72.5 million extension? Well, each season differs based on the salary cap. 

According to KPRC2 Sports‘ Aaron Wilson, Collins will earn a base salary of $1.61 million (guaranteed for skill, injury and salary cap) in 2024 in the final year of his rookie contract. In 2025, that number will expand to $13.5 million and then $20 million in 2026 ($10 million of which is fully guaranteed) In 2027, Collins will make $21.25 million in nong-uaranteed and $10 million more fully guaranteed than his deal in 2026. 

Collins, who last season joined Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins as the only Texans’ player with 1,200 receiving yards in a single season, can earn up to $75 million in incentives. According to Wilson, here’s how the deal will transpire to meet each benchmark: 

  • $250,000 for Pro Bowl selection
  • $250,000 for 95 or more catches
  • $250,000 for 1,460 receiving yards.

A third-round pick out of Michigan in 2021, Collins lived up to the billing as Stroud’s go-to target, hauling in 80 passes for 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns. In three seasons, Collins has 150 catches for 2,224 yards and 11 touchdowns.

With the deal finalized, Collins becomes the eighth-highest paid wide receiver in the league in annual compensation, trailing Eagles’ DeVonta Smith ($25 million) while ranking ahead of Seahawks’ D.K Metcalf ($24 million). On Thursday, the Miami Dolphins agreed to terms on a three-year, $84.7 million extension with Jaylen Waddle, $76 million of which is guaranteed. 

The Texans are betting on Collins’ promise moving forward and believe he can live up to the billing as the new No. 1 in an offense that features four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, reliable tight end Dalton Schultz, Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon and breakout rookie Tank Dell. 

Diggs, who the Texans traded for this offseason from the Bills in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, is the only player not under contract through 2026 after Schultz (three-year, $36 million) and Mixon (three-year, $27 million) agreed to extensions earlier this offseason.

New Texans RB Joe Mixon believes C.J. Stroud is already top NFL QB

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud has already proven to be one of the top passers in the NFL according to new running back Joe Mixon

New Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon knows talent. He just spent the last three seasons watching former Heisman trophy winner Joe Burrow go from being the No. 1 pick to one of the league’s top passers.

Mixon, who joined Houston via trade after seven seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals, might have only been at a handful of practices with C.J. Stroud. That’s all he needed to see to know what type of passer the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year already is.
And he’s only getting better with reps.

“C.J.’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league. It’s a hell of a thing,” Mixon said following Thursday’s voluntary OTA practice. “I don’t think he even knows it yet. He has all the right tools, all the right traits to actually be the best quarterback in the league.”

Stroud, who guided the Texans to their first playoff appearance since 2019, already has garnered top-level recognition from multiple outlets. It’s warranted, too, especially after his record-setting season down at NRG Stadium.

Not only did Stroud become the fifth rookie passer to throw for 4,000-plus yards in his first season, but he also became the youngest gunslinger since Mark Sanchez in 2009 to win a playoff game. Stroud, who threw for 4,108 yards, also joined Tom Brady and Joe Montana as the only quarterbacks to lead the league in passing yards (274) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:5) in the same season.

Perhaps Stroud would have surpassed Andrew Luck’s passing record if he hadn’t missed two games due to a concussion. It’s a moot point, but the former Ohio State passer proved to be potent under duress. He also led three comeback drives, including a road victory against Mixon’s Bengals in Week 11.

Mixon was traded to Houston earlier this offseason after it was announced Cincinnati was expected to cut him following the signing of Zach Moss. The Texans believe the best years for the four-time 1,000-yard rusher are still ahead, agreeing to terms on a three-year, 27 million extension once he arrived.

The Texans need to bolster their rushing attack after insufficient numbers (97.4 yards per game) from Dameon Pierce and Devin Singletary. Stroud showed his ability to take over games, but rookies aren’t supposed to play hero ball late in the fourth quarter.

Mixon should provide some stability on the ground and as a check-down option in the passing attack. Last season, the 27-year-old posted career-highs in receiving yards (376) and receiving touchdowns (3) off 52 receptions.

Even then, Mixon is certain Stroud can take over games like Burrow did en route to a Super Bowl appearance in Year 2. Perhaps even better than Burrow when all is said and done.

“The way that he prepares and the way that he leads and the way that he works, I truly feel like there’s definitely something special in him,” Mixon said.

Newcomers Danielle Hunter & Stefon Diggs head to Texans OTAs

Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter joined the party on Thursday at voluntary OTAs with the Houston Texans, thus making the roster feel more complete.

A fresh pair of newcomers joined the Houston Texans Thursday afternoon at voluntary OTAs, thus marking their debuts in a new uniform.

Pro Bowl defensive end Danielle Hunter and wide receiver Stefon Diggs were spotted during workouts Thursday at the Methodist Center practice facility next to NRG Stadium. Both players, along with Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil and offensive linemen Shaq Mason and Tytus Howard, did not partake in drills last week.

Mason, the only Texans’ offensive lineman to start every game in 2023, also returned to practice. Howard and Tunsil both were absent, though that was expected given their status on the roster.

Diggs, whom the Texans traded for this offseason in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick, looked crisp running routes opposite recently extended Nico Collins and breakout rookie Tank Dell. The Texans voided the final three years of his extension, meaning he’ll be playing for a new contract in 2025.

Could the Texans re-sign him? That remains the interest million-dollar question entering June. When healthy, Diggs has been one of the league’s top targets, hauling in an NFL-leading 445 catches over his four seasons with Buffalo. With Collins’ recent three-year, $72.5 million extension, logistics will be a vital factor in coming to terms with the four-time Pro Bowler.

Hunter, a Houston native, won’t have to worry about playing for a new deal after agreeing to terms on a two-year, $51 million contract this offseason. The Texans expect him to only build off his record-setting season in Minnesota back in front of the home crowd as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement opposite Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson Jr.

Few edge rushers were as dominant as Hunter in 2023 in both passing-rushing sets and defending the run. Hunter, 29, led the league in tackles for loss (23.5) while finishing top five in sacks (16.5) amid a lost season in Minneapolis following the season-ending injury to Kirk Cousins.

Houston remains a favorite to win the AFC South after adding in linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, defensive lineman Denico Autry and Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon.

C.J. Stroud, who won the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, will be a year older and wiser, thus making him a threat to compete alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Mixon for the league MVP.

Texans agree to terms with second-round pick Blake Fisher

The Houston Texans have signed every member of their rookie class with the addition fo Blake Fisher.

Everyone in the Houston Texans’ draft class is now officially under contract.

The Texans and second-round pick Blake Fisher agreed to terms on a four-year deal worth roughly $6.6 million, according to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson. Fisher will also receive a $1.616 million signing bonus.

The Notre Dame offensive tackle was the last player to sign of the Texans’ eight rookies drafted last month.

Drafted 59th overall, Fisher was selected to provide quality depth and potential insurance behind Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil, and former first-round pick Tytus Howard. While likely to start the season as a backup, Fisher’s experience playing for the Irish likely makes him part of the long-term plans in Houston on either side of the line past 2024.

“Just coming in and gaining the respect, the trust and the dependability of my teammates,” Fisher said. “From there, just learning from Tytus and Laremy and the other guys within guard and center. Then, obviously also of my coaches. Laremy, everyone knows him. He is a specialist when it comes to pass protection. He is dominant. He is long. He is physical and same goes for Tytus.

“They are two really good guys that I can come in and learn from and obviously get better from because they’ve been doing it for quite some time.”

A three-year starter at Notre Dame, Fisher made history as the first true freshman to start at left tackle for the Irish during the 2021 season. He later shifted to the right side of the line after a dominant freshman campaign from first-round pick Joe Alt.

“We feel good about Blake and adding him to our team,” Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said. “He did a good job there at Notre Dame, and we feel like he can add to what we’re doing here, add to the competition of our offensive line room. We’ll continue to see him progress and move forward.”

In three seasons with the Irish, Fisher started 27 total games, missing multiple games in 2021 due to a knee injury. The 6-foot-6 lineman is at his best in run blocking, helping Audric Estime rush for over 1,000 yards during the 2023 season.

“I’m a smart physical player with a high IQ,” Fisher said. “See a lot of different things on the field which in essence helps the guys next to me.”

The Texans will begin mandatory team minicamp later next month.

Former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud wins Good Guy Award

Well deserved! #GoBucks

We’re all familiar with what former Ohio State and current Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud can do on a football field, and a lot of Buckeye fans are also keenly aware of the type of person he is off of it.

But it now seems the rest of the world is getting in on the secret of what type of person Stroud is. He’s embedded himself into the Houston community with several philanthropic moments. The way he conducts himself on and off the field is humbling and unassuming, even being named a captain of the team as a rookie. He is especially accommodating and forthcoming in media appearances.

And now, for those efforts, Stroud was named the winner of the Pro Football Writers Good Guy Award for 2023, given to the NFL player that best helps writers do their jobs.

Stroud won among several other finalists. Joel Bitonio (Cleveland Browns), Dion Dawkins (Buffalo Bills), Brandon Graham (Philadelphia Eagles) and Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) were all in the running at the end.

“Stroud is the Good Guy Award winner because of his professionalism and openness with both the national and local media. He is always available during the week and after games, win or lose. He understands the media has a job to do and answers each question thoroughly,” PFWA Houston chapter co-vice president Jonathan Alexander said in a release. “He is also active in the Houston community without seeking attention, recently volunteering to remove trees and clean up debris from yards in underserved communities after a storm left many residents without power for several days.”

We had a good feel for what Stroud was as a person following him for three years in Columbus, and boy has he turned out to be a great ambassador for the Ohio State football program.

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Texans QB C.J. Stroud named winner of PWFA’s Good Guy Award

Houston Texans QB C.J. Stroud has won another award for his efforts in 2023 and the NFL world pretends to be shocked at this point.

C.J. Stroud is taking home another award after a dominant rookie season.

The Houston Texans quarterback was named the winner of the Professional Football Writers of America NFL’s Good Guy Award on Wednesday afternoon. The award is usually given to someone great with the media at both a local level and on the national stage.

Few players were as poised as Stroud in front of the camera at all levels last season while leading Houston back to the postseason in 2023.

“First and foremost, I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to be recognized as the PFWA Good Guy Award winner, and it stands out to me because it’s more of an award that embodies someone’s character rather than the stats they compile on the field,” Stroud said in a statement.  “I appreciate the job the media has and thank them for choosing me as someone who is deserving of this honor. A special shout out to the other very deserving players who were nominated and those that won before me.”

Stroud, the first Texans player to win the award, beat out Cowboys’ Dak Prescott, Browns’ Joel Bitonio, Bills’ Dion Dawkins and Eagles’ Brandon Graham for the honor.

Stroud also was considered for work around the community, as evidenced by recently helping clean up the debris in certain Houston areas following the storm that left over a million residents without power.

The award has been handed out by the organization each year since 2005. Last season, the honor went to longtime Eagles’ center Jason Kelce for his work around the Philadelphia area.

Stroud was also named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year for leading the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs while throwing for 4,108 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He became the first rookie and only the third player to lead the league in touchdown-to-interception ratio (23:5) and passing yards per game (274) in the same season.

Houston has been racking up awards left and right over the past two days. On Tuesday, the PFWA named receiver John Metchie III the winner of the George Halas Award after his return from acute promyelocytic leukemia. The award is given to a player, coach or staff member who “overcomes the most adversity to succeed.”

Metchie, who missed his entire rookie season while undergoing treatment, finished with 16 catches for 156 yards last season and is expected to have a prominent role in 2024.