Re-Signing Jonathan Greenard Should be a Top Priority for Texans

The Houston Texans will have to find a way to build upon their successful 2023 season, and re-signing Jonathan Greenard should be a top objective.

HOUSTON — Houston Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard will be a free agent this off-season, and the veteran edge rusher wants to remain with his current franchise. And after a career season by Greenard, the Texans' feelings should be mutual.

Greenard recorded a team-best 12.5 sacks, which tied for 10th-best in the league, while adding 52 tackles across 15 games. He also played a prominent role in the Texans' revamped run defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenard notched a run-defensive grade of 67.2.

Coach DeMeco Ryans wants all players to share the same sentiment as Greenard's desire to stay in Houston. But re-signing Greenard should be at the top of the Texans' priority list this spring.

Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) takes the field prior to a Week 10 NFL football game between the Houston Texans and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium / Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

"Jonathan, specifically, he did a really great job for us," Ryans said. "I think it was his most productive year, his best year of his career. He did some really great things to allow us to be in the position to win some games."

Greenard has played a vital role in the Texans' defense since they drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft from Florida. He has been one of Houston's top pass rushers over the previous four seasons. But the veteran leadership he provides within the locker room also plays a significant role in Greenard's importance in Houston.

He developed a special bond with rookie defensive end Will Anderson Jr., and his guidance helped the former Alabama prospect make a successful transition to the NFL.

The relationship between the pass rushing duo became so strong that Anderson felt comfortable displaying his silly personality around his veteran teammates.

Retaining Greenard could cost the Texans a projected annual salary of $18 million. And based on Ryans' high significance of investing in the defensive front, paying Greenard would be easier for Houston than trying to replace his services. 

"Everything I believe in, it starts up front with the rush and also with the offensive line and protecting," Ryans said. "So, we’ll continue to build with our fronts. Start at the front and build backwards, that’s how I envision it, and Jonathan had a really great year.”

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Greenard has always been passionate about his health and helping the Texans turn their franchise around since the start of the rebuild in 2020. Houston has always been fond of Greenard, and a successful 2023 campaign has led to a well-deserved pay-day in March.

"They know I love Houston — I know I definitely want to come back," Greenard said. "But as we know, that’s not up to me. I feel like I put my portfolio out there and closed that chapter and the rest will take care of itself. All I can be is thankful for the opportunity that they have given me. If this is the last rodeo, I appreciate everything, but it’s not for me to decide."