Texans Sign Veteran Mario Edwards Jr. To One-Year Deal

The Houston Texans continue to add depth to their defensive line with the free agency signing of veteran Mario Edwards Jr.

HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans continue to add depth to their defensive line. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Texans and veteran defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. have agreed to a one-year deal.

Edwards spent the 2023 season as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. He appeared in 15 games, registering 21 tackles, five tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and 2.0 sacks. He played a role in the Seahawks finishing the season with a 9-8 record.

Seahawks defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. (97) strips the ball from New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) and the Seahawks recovered at MetLife Stadium / Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The signing of Edwards became the ninth defensive player the Texans have added since the start of free agency while replacing the services of their former pass rusher Jonathan Greenard. 

Following the departure of Greenard, Houston added Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter, who recorded a combined 28.0 sacks last season. Hunter became the Texans' biggest free agency acquisition, as the four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a two-year deal worth $49 million.

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"How can we get the right guys to complement each other and play well off one another because that's how I see D-Lines play," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "It's not about just one guy. It's a complement of eight guys who can come in and continue to put pressure on the opposing team."

Edwards has played for five teams since he began his career as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the then-Oakland Raiders. His most successful tenure came after he joined the Chicago Bears in 2020. In two seasons, Edwards notched 25 tackles and 6.0 sacks in 27 games for the Bears.