Houston secures defensive tackle Naquan Jones before free agency, bolstering their defensive line for another playoff push.
The Houston Texans have a lot of work to do during the 2026 offseason. A lot of pressure is being put on the organization, as the fanbase would like to see the franchise get over the hump of the Divisional round of the postseason. Houston has seen its season end in the same spot in each of the last three years, and despite the success, the organization is right to want more.
The Texans had one of the best defenses in the league during the 2025 season, and the defensive side of the ball was a big reason the team advanced in the postseason. Houston has already worked on retaining some of the team's pending free agents on that side of the ball, as the franchise has recently agreed to terms with EJ Speed and Naquan Jones.
Jones' agent, Mike McCartney, tweeted out the news that his client was signing a new, one-year deal with the Texans. This is incredible news for the defensive tackle, as he was a midseason pickup for the franchise after being released by the Los Angeles Chargers. He played in eight games for Los Angeles before his release, but he was picked up the next day off waivers by the Texans.
Jones made his mark in Houston and will now be with the team through the 2026 season. It has been reported that he signed a deal worth $2 million, with a chance to earn more with incentives.
This deal comes after the defensive tackle played in four games with the Texans in 2025. He was on the field for just 70 defensive snaps, and he recorded three total tackles and a quarterback hit during that time. He played 40 snaps across the team's two postseason games and was productive, recording 5 total tackles and a tackle for loss.
Jones will serve as depth on Houston's defensive line, and he is considered valuable due to his experience and time in the league.
The Texans will look to have another season with a dominant defense in 2026, and Jones could be a valuable part of that as a rotational player on the defensive line. His spot on the roster is not guaranteed, as his contract is not guaranteed, but the Texans did not want to give him the chance to go to another team in free agency. The organization will now shift its focus to bringing in players from outside of the organization.