Could this Pro Bowl linebacker be the next cornerstone of Houston's defense? An analyst weighs in on a crucial contract extension for team success.
The Houston Texans are on a contract extension spree. One key defender could be next.
Pro bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair had a breakout season in regard to name recognition in 2025. The star player became a force to be reckoned with in the Texans' dominant end to a regular season that ended with nine consecutive wins.
The Texans want to keep the wins rolling in 2026, but they understand they need to retain as much of their best talent from last year to ensure more of the same success next year.
Jared Koch of Houston Texans on SI discussed whether or not the team should make the deal happen and what it would mean for the team's immediate and long term future. Koch wrote the following.
"Al-Shaair, coming off his best season in a Texans uniform, could be next in line, and thus ink a cornerstone of Houston's defense for another season, or more.
It makes sense as to why the Texans would want to bring back Al-Shaair, as he's slated to hit the final year of his existing three-year contract in 2026.
Houston's star linebacker is a vital part of DeMeco Ryans' front seven, has been with him since his days with the San Francisco 49ers as a defensive coordinator before hitting a one-year stop with the Tennessee Titans. He's a coveted piece of the Texans’ roster both on the field and in the locker room.
And at only 28 years old, headed into his age-29 season, he still has multiple years as a high-level linebacker left ahead of him that make him worthy of a long-term commitment."
Houston Texans cornerback Tremon Smith (11) and linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) react after a defensive play against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesIn regard to his uniqueness, Al-Shaair is one of one. There aren't many NFL players named Azeez, but the player stands out for more than that. Al-Shaair is a focal point on one of the NFL's top defenses, and his role is invaluable.
The Texans are not going to be able to extend everybody. Certainly, they have been doing their best to navigate the salary cap with recent restructures. Nevertheless, Al-Shaair is one player the organization is going to want to ensure stays with Houston for his next contract.
The Texans are close to contending for a Super Bowl and reaching the first conference title game in franchise history. It's unclear whether or not they will be able to get a contract extension done, but one thing is for sure: If they can make it happen, they will be a little closer to reaching their next postseason milestones.