Houston secures Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair through 2029, solidifying defensive strength and signaling sustained elite performance for the Texans.
There are few better predictors of success than continuity and player retention in the National Football League. The Houston Texans are well on their way to securing both in an offseason where it seems they have accomplished most if not all of their goals.
The Texans organization has made a concerted effort to re-sign as many of their key contributors as possible including their two biggest stars in edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. and quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins, star edge rusher Danielle Hunter and a handful of other key defenders re-signed for the 2026 season and beyond, but many were wondering what the team would do about elite linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's contract. Those questions can be set aside. Al-Shaair re-signed to be a member of the Texans organization through the 2029 season.
AP News' Kristie Rieken detailed the deal that keeps the pro bowl linebacker in Houston. Here's what Rieken had to say about the contract extension.
"Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will remain with the Houston Texans through the 2029 season after signing a three-year extension this week. The Texans didn’t release terms of the deal when they announced it Friday, but it is reportedly worth $54 million.
His deal comes on the heels of defensive end Will Anderson signing a three-year, $150 million contract extension with the Texans that makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history
Al-Shaair has spent the last two seasons with the Texans, appearing in 27 games with 173 tackles, eight tackles for losses, two sacks, 13 passes defensed, two interceptions and three forced fumbles.
Last season, he was selected for his first Pro Bowl after making 16 starts for a defense that allowed the fewest yards in the NFL (277.2 per game) and averaged the second-fewest points allowed (17.4) in the regular season."
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez al-Shaair (0) reacts at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Arizona Cardinals at NRG Stadium. Troy Taormina-Imagn ImagesFew teams are able to re-sign players at the rate that the Texans are retaining their starters. The team is not making bargains for players either. Houston is paying players what they deserve to be paid.
The continuity likely means one thing for the Texans: The defense may only get better from here.
So many of the team's 2025 squad will be back with full knowledge of the Texans' defensive scheme. They know their role and how to work in concert with other defenders in the Texans system. Those added to the squad make the defense even more potent.
Al-Shaair's contract signals that the Texans defensive dominance may not be going away any time soon. Houston will look to prove that when football season starts in September.