Greenard Goodbye? Texans Edge Rusher Talks 'Last Rodeo' After Ravens Loss

Jonathan Greenard was the Houston Texans' most productive pass rusher this season. After the Baltimore Ravens ended Houston's run, what's next for the pending free agent?

Houston Texans edge rusher Jonathan Greenard made himself a lot of money this season. As a pending free agent, the only questions that remain are how much he’ll be making and who’ll be signing the checks.

Greenard was a leader amongst Houston’s defensive line and played an integral role in keeping the pass rush afloat when rookie edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. wasn’t finding sacks and the interior linemen got off to a slow start. Simply put, the Texans aren’t here without him.

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Unequivocally, Houston’s locker room was sodden with disappointment after Saturday’s 34-10 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, who proved to be too talented to conquer. But for Greenard and his uncertain future, there’s no guarantee he’ll be there to help the Texans take the next step. It was apparent in his tone after the loss.

“Yeah, I figured someone would ask that,” Greenard said. “At this point, they know I love Houston, they know I definitely want to come back but as we know that’s not up to me. At this point, I can’t do much more. I feel like I’ve put my portfolio out there and closed that chapter and the rest will take care of itself. If they have me back, they have me back, gonna go 10 toes, but if not, that’s how the game goes.”

Greenard had a career year in 2023. He led the team in sacks (12.5), tackles for loss (15), and quarterback hits (22) – a mark he shared with Anderson. Each of those was a career-high for the four-year veteran. He’s also a very strong run defender and will enter next year in his age-27 season.

The torch seems to have already been passed to Anderson for the title of the Texans’ best pass rusher, but there’s no shame in being a supporting actor to such a talent. Pro Football Focus’ contract projections currently have him tabbed for a reasonable three-year, $47.25 million ($15.75 million average annual value) deal, which comes with $31.75 million in guarantees.

Keeping Greenard home would eliminate a draft need that would likely require significant draft capital to recoup.

Despite Playoff Blowout, Future Remains Bright For Texans

“Definitely appreciate it, if it is the last time,” Greenard said. “Appreciate the opportunity Houston gave me, staying with me throughout the years, they could have left me anytime through injuries and all that. They stuck beside me, I’m just thankful at this point for the opportunity they’ve given me.

“If this is the last rodeo, I appreciate everything they’ve given me, but it’s not for me to decide.”

Greenard finished his 2023 with five tackles and a tackle for loss in Baltimore. With Houston now entrenched in the offseason, the ball is in general manager Nick Caserio’s court.