Should Texans Place Franchise Tag on Jonathan Greenard?

Jonathan Greenard appears to be the Houston Texans' top candidate when it comes to receiving the 2024 franchise tag this off-season.

HOUSTON — General manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans have a lot of important decisions when it comes to revamping the Houston Texans' roster. The reconstruction of Houston's roster will begin Tuesday, when teams can apply franchise tags to players whose contracts are expiring.

The Texans have 25 players who can become free agents in March, headlined by defensive end Jonathan Greenard. 

The veteran edge rusher wants to remain in Houston. And after a career season, Greenard is the Texans top candidate who could receive a franchise tag, set for $23.3 million for the 2024 season according to Over the Cap.

Texans defensive end Jonathan Greenard (52) at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

"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," Greenard said following the Texans' Division Round loss to the Baltimore Ravens. "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, going to go 10 toes, but if not, that’s how the game goes."

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.

Greenard has always been passionate about helping the Texans turn their franchise around since his arrival as a third-round pick (no. 90 overall) during the 2020 NFL Draft. The Texans has always been fond of Greenard, and a successful 2023 campaign has led to a well-deserved pay-day.

Perhaps, it would be in Houston's best interest to lockdown Greenard rather than settling for the franchise tag. 

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Retaining Greenard could cost the Texans a projected annual salary of $13.4 million over the next four years. 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.”