The Houston Texans continue to make adjustments to their cap numbers ahead of free agency.
First, Houston opted to restructure the deal of wide receiver Nico Collins to clear $9.8 million in salary cap space, and now they're doing similarly on the defensive end.
According to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero, the Texans have restructured the contract of linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to free $6.26 million in cap space less than a week ahead of free agency.
After the Texans opted to shake up their receiver room by bringing in Christian Kirk on Thursday, the front office now follows up by clearing space taken up by that new acquisition by restructuring Al-Shaair's deal, providing a bit more flexibility ahead of the league market opening.
Al-Shaair restructure
Originally due $9 million in base salary in 2025, Al-Shaair's restructure has created $6.26 million more in cap space for Houston, per NFL insider Aaron Wilson.
Al-Shaair is under contract with the Texans for two more seasons, but his $11 million base salary in 2026 is not guaranteed, making him a potential cut candidate after 2025. A six-year NFL veteran, Al-Shaair began his career with the San Francisco 49ers as an undrafted free agent.
He moved on to the Tennessee Titans in 2023, then signed a three-year, $34 million contract with Houston in 2024. Al-Shaair has 432 career total tackles, six sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and 15 passes defensed in 84 games played.
Al-Shaair, a Texans captain, was signed to a three-year, $33 million deal last offseason en route to becoming a consistent part of the Texans' defense when on the field in 2024. He started in 11 games to post 70 tackles, 7 TFLs, two sacks, and two forced fumbles. The Houston linebacker also saw a three-game suspension due to his controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Looking ahead to what's to come, don't be surprised if the Texans continue to jump through some salary cap hoops in the coming days to maximize their flexibility. Keep an eye on Danielle Hunter and Laremy Tunsil as other restructure candidates as the team could clear over $20 million in room by adjusting both deals.
NFL free agency negotiations officially kick off across the league at noon ET on Monday, March 10th.
