Although the Seattle Seahawks allowed the fewest points per game last season and demolished the Drake-Maye led New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, the Houston Texans owned arguably the most terrifying defense in the NFL. They intend to strike more fear into opposing quarterbacks moving forward.
The organization is clearly dedicated to keeping the unit intact, as demonstrated by its decision to sign pass-rushers Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter to contract extensions. Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. inked his own deal last year. Azeez Al-Shaair recently joined the club after putting pen to paper on a three-year, $54 million contract. He has endured some bumps during his NFL career, but the 2019 undrafted linebacker out of Florida Atlantic has secured a sizable financial commitment for himself.
He is grateful to the Texans fans who have supported him over the last two years.
“Just signed the contract, it’s official,” Al-Shaair said in a video, per the team’s X account. “I’m excited to be here all the way through.” Houston likely feels the same way after what he accomplished on the field last season.
Officially official. pic.twitter.com/K9crgI6qqI
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) May 1, 2026
Al-Shaair earned his first Pro Bowl selection after recording two interceptions, nine passes defended, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 48 solo tackles in 16 games. He can be a controversial figure to others — his concussion-inducing hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in December of 2024 drew much criticism — but the Texans obviously value his on-field contributions.
Houston general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans are trusting the 28-year-old to build on his two-season surge and help the team maintain its top-notch rushing defense. Azeez Al-Shaair had to claw his way to this payday, and fans do not expect him to stop now.
Although the Seattle Seahawks allowed the fewest points per game last season and demolished the Drake-Maye led New England Patriots in Super Bowl 60, the Houston Texans owned arguably the most terrifying defense in the NFL. They intend to strike more fear into opposing quarterbacks moving forward.