The Houston Texans could have one of the most sought-after edge rushers this offseason. Defensive end Jonathan Greenard finished the season tied for the 10th most sacks with 12.5 sacks and ranked sixth in pass-rush win rate, per ESPN.
Houston has a lot of internal free agents and a lot of salary cap space, so the team could do in a few different directions this offseason with their roster construction. What the Texans do with Greenard will be a clear indication as to how general manager Nick Caserio wants to spend his money as the Texans look to defend their AFC South title in 2024.
Greenard’s future will undoubtedly be one of the biggest questions this offseason. Here are the pros and cons of re-signing him, and the verdict Houston should have that decision.
Pro: Productive starter
Greenard finished the year as the Texans’ top sack artist with 12.5. He had tallied four multi-sack games, too, which provided how much he can affect a game. Greenard and rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr. formed a formidable duo on the edges and were the keys to the Texans’ defense in 2023.
Con: Could command expensive salary
Good edge rushers aren’t cheap. Greenard’s career year could elicit and lucrative contract on the open market for around $13.4 million per year, according to Spotrac. The Texans have the money to pay Greenard, but it’s unclear if Caserio is ready to open the team’s wallet for him.
Pro: Understands the defense
Greenard’s explosion in the first year of DeMeco Ryan and Matt Burke’s defense isn’t a coincidence, and the Texans should look at his production as a flash in the pan. Greenard flashed two years earlier, too, with eight sacks in Lovie Smith’s defense. Continuity is important and would greatly help Houston’s plan to replicate its success in 2024.
Con: History of injuries
Greenard hasn’t been healthy throughout his career. He missed the final two games of this year with an ankle injury and has yet to play a full season in his career. Greenard missed four games in 2021 with a foot injury and half of the 2022 season with a calf injury. There’s no guarantee the Texans will ever see a full season from him after giving Greenard a big extension.
Verdict
The Texans need to keep their defensive line core intact in 2024, and Greenard is a big part of that. The Texans could do to add more depth on the edges, but Greenard and Anderson should be the key pieces moving forward. Houston will need to pay for a good defense end regardless, so they might as well keep their top sack artist for next season.
Verdict: Keep
