If you had told Texans fans before the season that the defense would be the teams strength heading into 2025, many in Houston would have raised their eyebrows in , here we are. From start to finish, the defense was the cornerstone of the Texans AFC playoff run. The unit is primed to return ten of its eleven starters from the 2024 season. The lone departure is defensive tackle Mario Edwards, who excelled in his one-year stint in Houston. Ill take a moment to give flowers to prospective free agent safety Eric Murray, who stepped in admirably after injuries sidelined both Jalen Pitre and Jimmie total, the Texans are retaining 16 of 30 players from their 2024 defense. While that may seem like a daunting number to lose, depth pieces naturally come and go in todays NFL. Expect several Texans to re-sign on one-year contracts as the team reshapes its depth Vince Wilfork Jersey. Ill now analyze the Texans depth chart. For reference, returning starters are bolded, and the year next to each player indicates when their contract is set to expireDefenseDefensive Ends Danielle Hunter Will Anderson Jr. Dylan Horton Free agents: Derek Barnett and Jerry HughesKeeping both starters is fantastic, but another round of paydays is fast approaching for this group. Houston will eventually have to decide to keep or extend the top tier talent Danielle Hunter. Dylan Horton was an under-the-radar contributor. His return from cancer treatment in 2023 hasn't received enough acclaim. Derek Barnett has been a wonderful free-agent addition and has earned a second contract in Houston. Hell be a priority free agent to return as a depth piece. Expect Houston to part ways with injured 36 year old Jerry Hughes. Defensive Tackles Denico Autry Tim Settle Tommy Tongiai Free agents: Kurt Hinish, Mario Edwards Jr. , and Foley FatukasiHouston stands to lose three substantial contributors on the defensive line; the fantastic depth Houston possessed in 2024 was fueled with one and two-year contracts. Another veteran free-agent addition Autry will be entering his 11th season but still has plenty of gusto in a rotational role Tim Settle Jr. Jersey. Separately, Texans 2024 draft pick Marcus Harris is on the Patriots roster via a future/reserve contract. Texans should spend a day-two pick on a defensive tackle of the future to supplement the rotating cast of over-productive veterans Houston enlists. Linebackers Azeez Al-Shaair Christian Harris Henry TooToo Jamal Hill Free agents: Neville Hewitt, Jake Hansen, and DelShawn PhillipsAl-Shaair had one of the most tumultuous seasons in the entire NFL, often drawing attention with his aggressive hits. There were only a handful of games in which all three of these players were healthy and starting. Retaining the continuity among them will significantly strengthen the entire defense heading into 2025. Also look for Jamal Hill to rotate in more next season. He spent a year either on practice squad or supporting special teams. Houston is set to part ways with almost all of its backup linebackers. Hewitt rotates in primarily during red zone and run plays, and all three backup linebackers are primarily special teams aces. Expect at least one or two of them to return in similar roles to supplement a strong trio of Derek Stingley Jr. Kamari Lassiter Free agents: Myles Bryant, Jeff Okudah, Kris Boyd, and DAngelo RossJeff Okudah, Kris Boyd, and DAngelo Ross are all set to leave, none of which will be missed dearly. Myles Bryant served admirably while replacing injured Jalen Pitre in the slot. All these losses leave a massive hole in the depth at this position. Losing either Stingley or Lassiter to injury would cause distinct issues across the entire defense. Houston should look to free agency and late draft picks to fill in the gaps. They will also without fail draft a day three cornerback to develop through the Jimmie Ward Jalen Pitre Brandon Hill Calen Bullock Free agents: Eric Murray and M. J. StewartEven I was stunned to see that Calen Bullock played 89% of all defensive snaps in 2024; most for the position. His addition to the defense allowed the other defensive backs to play more in their natural roles. Losing Eric Murray will cut into positional depth. Hes one of the few starters down the stretch that is projected not to return next season. Houston also has to consider Jimmie Wards injury and age. This position has been patched together thanks to rookie Calen Bullocks fantastic play thus far, but he could use some help and a future running mate through the , Houston retains the core framework of its defense. However, the team will be thin at cornerback and defensive line. While they arent losing much talent, they also arent gaining much salary cap space to work with. With only $2 Dylan Deatherage Jersey. 6 available on the payroll according to Spotrac, Houston will need to get creative to find solutions and bolster the current roster with new additions.