How Does Houston Texans' Nick Caserio View In-Season Extensions?

Caserio says flexibility and adaptability are the top components when determining whether or not to extend a player in-season.

HOUSTON — The NFL trade deadline is two weeks away. But general manager Nick Caserio has an underlining task when it comes to roster construction for the Houston Texans — contract extensions. 

Headlined by tight end Dalton Schultz, the Texans have several players who could sign an extension before the start of free agency in March. Caserio revealed Tuesday morning that he and coach DeMeco Ryans recently spent time looking at potential candidates who could receive an in-season extension.

"I think we've been pretty open-minded. We're not going to eliminate necessarily anything," Caserio said. "It depends on the player, depends on the team, depends on your philosophy and your mindset, and it depends on where the agent maybe thinks the player's market is going to be."

Caserio says flexibility and adaptability are the top components when determining whether or not to extend a player in-season. And when a player is doing well, Caserio mentioned that there have been times an agent would reach out to the team in hopes of getting the ball rolling early.

Texans offensive tackle George Fant blocks Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive tackle George Fant is a prime example of a player on a one-year deal who could receive an extension. Due to his durability and production, Fant has been the Texans' best offensive lineman six games into the season. He signed a one-year deal to join the Texans in July. 

According to Pro Football Focus, Fant has allowed one sack while posting a pass-blocking grade of 71.2. The 31-year-old right tackle has played well beyond the $3.0 million deal he agreed to join the Texans.

Shaquill Griffin is another player who could receive an in-season extension. He has done a great job filling in for Derek Stingley Jr., who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since late September.

He has recorded 20 tackles, 15 solo hits and three pass deflections. His best game came during the Texans' Week 4 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Griffin finished with a defensive grade of 79.2. 

"As long as we have a clearly defined role or what we think the role is going to be — it's something that we'll look at or do," Caserio said. "In the end, you're talking maybe, maybe a handful or less of guys that may fit that bill, and a lot of it is they just trust in themselves and want to bet on themselves a little bit, which you have to respect that. 

"Reality is we're probably going to lose some players after the season. Might be able to keep some. But we'll just kind of keep moving, focus on '23 but start to have an eye a little bit on '24."

The NFL trade deadline is less than two weeks away. There is a chance Caserio could be aggressive in adding talent before Oct. 31. But it could be in the Texans' best interest to retain the players who have been vital to Houston's success rather than taking a risk on losing them by next spring.