The Houston Texans are adding a bit more juice to their pass rush entering training camp.
The Texans agreed to terms with veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes on Monday afternoon, according to the NFL’s transactions wire. The details of the contract have not been released as of this time.
Hughes, a 15-year veteran and a native of Sugar Land, is back in Houston for a third season. He’s been a vocal presence in the locker room and a highly productive player in a rotational role.
Last season, Hughes played in all 17 regular-season games, starting in two. He finished with 32 tackles, including three sacks. Initially signed to a two-year, $10 million deal in 2022, Hughes revitalized his career with Texans in 2022, totaling a team-high first nine sacks and 10 tackles for loss.
The #Texans have re-signed veteran pass-rusher Jerry Hughes, per the wire. Back for his 15th season at age 35.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 8, 2024
A former first-round pick out of TCU in 2010, Hughes spent his three seasons with the Indianapolis Colts before being traded to the Buffalo Bills in 2013. He spent nine seasons in Orchard Park, where he notched 53 of his 70 career sacks.
Hughes should serve as a veteran presence for young pass-rushers like Will Anderson Jr., Dylan Horton and seventh-round pick Solomon Byrd. The Texans also brought in former Minnesota Vikings star and Katy native Danielle Hunter on a two-year deal as Jonathan Greenard’s replacement.
The Texans are hopeful to build off their franchise-breaking sack record that helped them secure their first division title in four years. Anderson, who won Defensive Rookie of the Year, had seven sacks, tying J.J. Watt’s rookie franchise record. Hunter, a four-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings had 16.5 sacks and an NFL-leading 23.5 tackles for loss last fall.
Great read by Jerry Hughes but the dirty work here by Khalil Davis occupying two blockers allowing the free run of Hughes and Harris is beautiful. pic.twitter.com/NcqoNo9JHb
— TexansCap (@TexansCap) September 26, 2023
The Texans also re-signed former first-round pick Derek Barnett, who totaled 2.5 sacks in six games for Houston after being picked up off waivers, to a one-year contract.
Houston returns to NRG Stadium for the start of training camp on July 18.
