DeMeco Ryans Reveals Houston Texans' Heavy Defensive Line Focus in Free Agency

The Houston Texans spent a bulk of their free agency improving their defensive line due to one significant reason.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) tackles / Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans have spent the first three weeks of free agency adding depth to their defense. And due to Coach DeMeco Ryans' desires to add talent to the team's defensive front, the Texans have spent the bulk of their time revamping the front four.

Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter headline the changes the Texans made to their defensive front. They recorded a combined 28.0 sacks last season, as Hunter became the Texans' biggest free agency acquisition. The four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a two-year deal worth $49 million.

The emphasis the Texans placed on improving their defensive line may have been disappointing to some, but Ryans recently revealed the team's reasoning at the NFL Owners Meetings in Orlando.

Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Danielle Hunter (99) tackles / Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

"We are just looking to play better sound football; trying to play dominant defense," Ryans said. "If you want to win in this league. If you want to be successful in the playoffs, you have to stop some good quarterbacks. That's where the defensive line comes into play. We have to have multiple guys who can get it down upfront. That was our emphasis going into free agency."

Headline by Defensive Rookie of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr., Houston's D-line had an exceptional year. Their defensive linemen played a significant role in the Texans setting a franchise record of 46.0 sacks while allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards at 96.6.

But when it came to their Divisional Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the Texans showed the need to improve their D-line unit. Two-time league MVP winner Lamar Jackson finished the game throwing for 152 yards and a pair of touchdowns. He also led the Ravens in rushing with 100 yards on 11 attempts and two touchdowns.

Jackson dominated Houston in the Ravens' postseason victory. In addition to Jackson, the Texans have to compete against the league's best quarterbacks within their conference, headlined by three-time Super Bowl winner Patrick Mahomes.