HOUSTON -- NFL free agency is about to be off and running, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2024 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts.
The Houston Texans made sure a couple of starters and a key piece didn't make it to free agency, which officially began March 13.
Here's a breakdown of every 2024 NFL free agent signing by the Texans and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Danielle Hunter
Hunter gets a near fully-guaranteed contract with $48 million of his two-year, $49 million contract being guaranteed.
What it means: Hunter improves the Texans' pass rush. He's coming off a season with 16 sacks for the Vikings, is a four-time Pro Bowler and was second-team All-Pro in 2018. He joins defensive end Will Anderson Jr., who was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year just last month. The Texans set a franchise record for sacks in 2023 with 46. With the duo and other additions to the defense, the Texans could break that mark.
What's the risk: With the amount of money that the Texans are giving Hunter, they need him to be as impactful as he was in Minnesota to justify this aggressive signing.
Denico Autry, DE
Autry agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal to remain in the AFC South on Monday.
What it means: Autry adds to the defensive line after the Texans lost defensive end Jonathan Greenard to the Vikings. In 2023, Autry had a career-high in sacks (11.5) with 12 tackles for loss with the Tennessee Titans. In the last three seasons, he has 28.5 sacks, 54 quarterback hits and 30 tackles for loss.
What's the risk: It's a two-year deal with $10 million guaranteed and Autry will be 34 before the season starts. When will his age eventually catch up to him?
Azeez Al-Shaair, LB
Houston and former Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair agreed to a three-year, $34 million deal Monday.
What it means: The connection between Al-Shaair and DeMeco Ryans is notable. Al-Shaair played under his new coach when Ryans was the San Francisco 49ers' linebacker coach (2019-2020) and defensive coordinator (2021-2022). Both departed in 2023 and reunite in Houston, where Al-Shaair will be a starter for the Texans coming off a season where he finished with 163 tackles, the fifth-most in the league.
What's the risk: The money was slightly expensive as his deal will average over $10 million per year, but Al-Shaair has only had two seasons with over 100 tackles out of five. And his coverage skills were inconsistent. In 2023, according to Next Gen Stats, he allowed a passer rating of 107.5 when targeted.
Neville Hewitt, LB
The Texans re-signed Hewitt to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: Hewitt was a special team cog for the Texans last season, playing in 84% of the reps for that unit. Keeping him means they retain a valuable player there.
What's the risk: None. Hewitt knows his role and rarely had mistakes on that unit. He's trustworthy and there's no reason to think he ll regress in a noticeable way.
Myles Bryant, CB
The Texans signed Barnett to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: Bryant played in 55 games in his career, and the Texans continue to add cornerbacks with starting experience, as he had 17 starts and 851 snaps in four years with the New England Patriots. He can add to the cornerback competition as there isn't a set starter opposite Derek Stingley Jr.
What's the risk: Not much. The Texans aren't expected to rely on Bryant to be a starter and use him as a depth piece.
CJ Henderson, CB
The Texans signed Henderson to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: Henderson was the No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft, but he hasn't quite lived up to the expectations that come with a first-round pick taken that high. In his second year, he was traded from the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Carolina Panthers, where he started 22 games in three years. The Texans hope to tap into the talent that got him selected in the top 10.
What's the risk: It depends if the Texans select a cornerback high in the draft. If they do, then the risk isn't high. But if they don't, then the risk is medium.
Derek Barnett, DE
The Texans re-signed Barnett to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: The Texans are adding more depth to their defensive line with a familiar face. Barnett joined the team in Week 12 of the 2023 season and finished with 2.5 sacks. Houston hopes the short burst of production carries over into next season.
What's the risk: There's an aspect of risk here. The Texans are hoping that last season wasn't a fluke and that the he grows in production instead of reverting into the player who only had 7.5 sacks from 2020 to 2022.
Mario Edwards Jr., DE
Edwards signed on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: The Texans continue to add to the depth of their defensive line. Edwards has 21.5 career sacks and 28 tackles for loss in his nine-year career.
What's the risk: There isn't much of a risk with adding Edwards. He will most likely be fighting for a roster spot as they're not investing much in him financially. If he's effective, then that's a plus.
Noah Brown, WR
The Texans are bringing back Brown on a second straight one-year deal.
What it means: Brown showed he could be a capable No. 3 option, and he really stepped when his number was called with injuries to Tank Dell, Nico Collins and Robert Woods. Brown two games with over 100 receiving yards, including a career-high 172 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
What's the risk: Brown missed seven games with injuries in 2023, so durability could be an issue.
Tommy Townsend, P
Former Kansas City Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend agreed to a two-year, $6 million deal with Houston on Monday.
What it means: Townsend was a first-team All-Pro in 2022 when the Chiefs won the Super Bowl, with 41% of his punts landing inside the 20-yard line, 12th in the NFL. He also led the league in net punting (45.6). The Texans let Cameron Johnston walk and sign with the Steelers, so Townsend is an adequate replacement.
What's the risk: In 2023, Townsend had his lowest mark for punts inside the 20-yard line (33%, ranking 23rd). If that's a trend, then it will be a problem.
Jeff Okudah, CB
Okudah agreed to a one-year, $4.75 million deal.
What it means: The Texans are adding a potential starter at cornerback. Okudah was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 draft, so he possesses talent. He's started 31 games in four seasons and is known for being a technician. This move should help prevent explosive plays down the field that occasionally plagued the Texans' secondary.
What's the risk: Okudah has dealt with injuries in his career, including an Achilles tear in 2021. In 2023, he was a starter for the Falcons to begin the season, but after Week 13, he lost his starting job after allowing a passer rating of 93.9. Also, he has limited ball production. In his career he has 13 pass deflections.
Folorunso Fatukasi, DT
Houston signed Fatukasi to a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
What it means: The Texans add defensive line depth by signing Fatukasi. The former Jacksonville Jaguar is familiar with the defensive system Ryans runs having played under it with the New York Jets. The former 2018 sixth-round pick is known for being a run stuffer.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk. There isn't much financial commitment to Fatukasi, but the slight risk is that he isn't a pass rusher. The 29-year-old has 4.5 sacks in his career.
Lonnie Johnson Jr., CB
The deal lands Johnson in Houston for one year for $2 million.
What it means: The Texans are adding to special teams. Johnson Jr. played 76% of the Saints' special team snaps and 15% on defense. Houston drafted him as a second-round pick in 2020 under former coach Bill O'Brien. He has a career 192 tackles and four interceptions.
What's the risk: There isn't much risk since it's a cheap, one-year deal. If Johnson can't fit into Ryans' program, the Texans can release him at the end of training camp.
Dalton Schultz, TE
The Texans and Schultz have agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract, a source confirmed to ESPN, on Tuesday.
What it means: The Texans are keeping a player who has a rapport with NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year quarterback C.J. Stroud. It signals they value surrounding their franchise quarterback with reliable targets to put him in the best position to succeed, and Stroud was a massive reason, according to league sources, why Schultz wanted to return. Schultz finished third on the team in receiving yards (635) and touchdowns (five) in his first year with the team.
What's the risk: The only risk is down the line. The Texans may lose tight end Brevin Jordan in free agency next offseason with Jordan showing he may have some untapped potential. Jordan has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but his 76-yard touchdown in the the Texans' wild-card playoff win shows what might be there with him as well.
Desmond King, CB
The Texans bring back the versatile King on a one-year deal.
What it means: King, who had 47 tackles with five for a loss, stepped in as the starting nickel cornerback after Tavierre Thomas suffered a hamstring injury late in the season. King started five total games, including the two postseason games. He brings depth and the ability to be a viable starter in the slot.
What's the risk: The Texans cut King at the end of training camp for a reason. He went to the Steelers but was cut midseason before returning to Houston. He's getting older (he turns 30 in December) and could be liable if age starts to catch up.
Ka'imi Fairbairn, K
The Texans agreed to terms with Fairbairn on a three-year, $15.9 million deal Wednesday.
What it means: The Texans solidify their kicker situation by re-signing one of the most accurate kickers in the league. Fairbairn ranked ranked second in field-goal made percentage (96.4) last season after missing only one attempt in 28 tries in the regular season.
What's the risk: Fairbairn missed five games last season with lower leg injuries. He was replaced by Matt Ammendola, who went 6 for 9 -- including missing a game-tying attempt against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12 from 58 yards in a crucial divisional matchup. The last thing the Texans want is injuries derailing their effective kicker, and they hope last season was an anomaly as Fairbairn only missed three games in his career before 2023.