Why Didn't Texans Do More to Keep 'Steal' Free Agent Ogbo Okoronkwo?

The first wave of free agency was a great one for the Houston Texans, but the loss of Ogbo Okoronkwo could be huge in 2023.

HOUSTON — The Houston Texans have had an impressive list of acquisitions since the start of free agency. 

But despite coming away with several promising players who have the potential to improve Houston's production next season, Pro Football Focus believes defensive end Ogbonnia Okoronkwo was an immense loss for the Texans. 

"It’s a bit puzzling as to why Houston didn’t do more to try to keep Okoronkwo, but perhaps they did and he just wanted to go elsewhere. He may not be a 1,000-snap player, but the value of 500-700 snaps at this level is worth quite a bit, and Cleveland may have landed a steal here."

Okoronkwo left the Texans for a three-year, $19 million deal to join the Cleveland Browns. He spent only one season with the Texans after signing with his hometown team in March 2022. 

Okoronkwo had a slow start to the 2022 campaign. But once he got adjusted to former coach Lovie Smith's defensive scheme, Okoronkwo finished the season in Houston with 44 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits and five sacks.

The Browns will be Okoronkwo's third team since he entered the NFL in 2018. He began his career with the Los Angeles Rams as the No. 160 overall pick during the 2018 NFL Draft. 

Okoronkwo registered 13 quarterback hits and 4.5 sacks during his first three seasons with the Rams but never had a chance to showcase his attribute as a pass rusher.

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You can follow Coty M. Davis on Twitter at @CotyDavis_24

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