Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans added a familiar face to his defense after the team is expected to sign linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Al-Shaair agreed to a three-year, $34 million deal to join the Texans, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The #Texans are expected to sign #Titans LB Azeez Al-Shaair to a 3-year, $34M deal, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024
Al-Shaair spent his first four years in the NFL with Ryans on the San Francisco 49ers. Ryans was the 49ers inside linebackers coach for Al-Shaair first two seasons in the league before Ryans took over as defensive coordinator for his final two years in San Francisco.
Now, the two reunite in Houston to give the Texans a quality inside linebacker after Al-Shaair spent 2023 with the Tennessee Titans. Al-Shaair had his most productive year this past season with a career-best 163 combined tackles and six quarterback hits. He matched his career high with two sacks and nine tackles for a loss.
New Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir showing off his ability to track the quarterback.
Will be a major asset against Lamar Jackson and Anthony Richardson next year. https://t.co/4XwUMyVsJj
— John Crumpler (@JohnHCrumpler) March 11, 2024
Al-Shaair proved he could be a full-time starter as well. He played all 17 games for the Titans and led the team with 1,102 defensive snaps. That total ranked 16th among all defensive players in the NFL in 2023 and his 95.7% snap rate ranked 27th.
The Texans needed more stability in the middle of their defense and decided to go with the productive up-and-coming Al-Shaair. He’ll be 27 by the start of the season but has five years of quality experience under his belt – four of which being with Ryans in San Francisco.
