Analyzing the Interior Defensive Line Market: Potential Paths for the Texans
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After breaking down the offensive line market in a previous article, the next position that stands out as a major need for the Texans heading into free agency is the interior defensive line.
However, the reason this position ranks as Houston’s second biggest need is very different from the offensive line.
On offense, the need largely stems from roster changes and a desire to improve performance, particularly after the trade of Tytus Howard.
Along the defensive line, the situation is more about roster turnover.
Several contributors from last season’s interior defensive line rotation are pending free agents, including Tim Settle Jr., Sheldon Rankins, Naquan Jones (re-signed while writing see below), and Denico Autry, while Mario Edwards Jr. remains under contract but could be a potential cap-related decision as he recovers from a torn pec suffered late last season.
Because of that, the Texans will likely need to add three to four interior defensive linemen between free agency and the draft in order to rebuild the depth of the position group.
Texans Re-Sign Naquan Jones
As I was finishing this article, the Texans re-signed defensive tackle Naquan Jones.
In my previous article covering the Texans’ pending free agents, I had Jones listed as a medium priority to bring back. My reasoning at the time was simple: bringing him back would make sense if the price was low enough.
That’s exactly what happened.
Jones signed a one-year, $2 million deal with just $300k guaranteed, which is a strong value contract for Houston.
Jones began to show some promise late last season after being added mid-year, and the Texans clearly believe he can continue developing within the system.
With Jones back in the fold, the Texans now have five defensive tackles on the roster:
Tommy Togiai
Naquan Jones
Mario Edwards Jr.
Kyonte Hamilton (potential practice squad)
Junior Tafuna (potential practice squad)
However, Edwards remains a potential release candidate because of his contract and recent injury, meaning Houston will still need to add multiple players to rebuild the interior defensive line rotation.
Understanding the Texans’ Defensive Tackle Philosophy
One thing that has become clear during DeMeco Ryans’ time as a defensive coordinator and head coach is that his defenses typically do not prioritize high-priced defensive tackles or early draft picks at the position.
Instead, the system often relies on veteran free agents and overlooked players who fit the scheme.
A major reason for this is how the position is asked to play in the Texans’ defensive front.
In the Wide-9 defensive scheme used by Ryans, Robert Saleh, and others from the 49ers coaching tree, interior defensive linemen are often asked to play aggressive, upfield football rather than read-and-react techniques.
Instead of thinking too much, defensive tackles are encouraged to attack gaps and penetrate, creating disruption in both the run game and pass rush.
Because of that philosophy, Houston has been able to find strong production from players who may have underperformed in other systems.
It’s similar to how some offensive linemen suddenly thrive when moving from a wide zone offense to a gap-heavy run scheme that better fits their traits.
Another factor that benefits Houston’s interior defenders is the presence of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter on the edge.
With those two pass rushers demanding significant attention from opposing offensive lines, interior defensive linemen often find themselves in more favorable matchups.
Limited Reliance on the Traditional Nose Tackle
Another interesting element of the Texans’ defense is the limited emphasis on traditional nose tackles.
In Ryans’ 4–2 defensive front with Wide-9 alignments, the defensive tackles often line up in 3-technique over the B-gap, occasionally shifting to 2i or 4i alignments depending on the front and matchup.
Because the edge rushers align so wide, interior defenders are often tasked with penetrating gaps rather than simply eating blocks.
As a result, Houston typically carries only one traditional nose tackle on the roster for specific run-heavy situations.
Last season that role belonged to Foley Fatukasi, though injuries forced the Texans to play without a true nose tackle for long stretches of the season.
One player who emerged in that environment was Tommy Togiai.
Originally a midseason practice squad addition the year prior, Togiai quickly became the anchor of the Texans’ interior defensive line.
Despite having the frame of a traditional 3-technique, he has enough strength to still provide some of the benefits of a nose tackle by holding up against double teams and working inside leverage.
Recognizing his value, Nick Caserio signed Togiai to a one-year, $3.3 million extension last September, keeping him under contract through the 2026 season.
His rise perfectly illustrates the Texans’ approach: finding overlooked players who fit the scheme and developing them into productive contributors.
Other defensive tackles who have had strong seasons in Houston’s system include Tim Settle Jr., Mario Edwards Jr., and Sheldon Rankins.
Interior Defensive Line Options
With several contributors set to hit free agency and only a handful of known impact players currently under contract, the Texans will need to rebuild their interior defensive line rotation.
Below are several options across the market that could fit what Houston typically looks for at the position.
Premium Options
John Franklin-Myers
John Franklin-Myers would be one of the best fits available on the market.
The 6'4", 288-pound defensive lineman has been one of the more underrated players in the league for several years and originally entered the NFL out of Stephen F. Austin.
He also has experience playing under Robert Saleh with the Jets, giving him familiarity with the defensive system.
Franklin-Myers frequently lines up at 3-technique but has also taken snaps wider over the tackle, providing versatility across the defensive front.
He also gave the Texans problems last season while playing for Denver.
The concern here is price. Franklin-Myers could command $14 million per year or more, which would be somewhat out of character for how Houston has historically approached this position.
Still, he would be an outstanding fit if the Texans chose to be aggressive.
David Onyemata
David Onyemata is another strong schematic fit.
The 6'4" veteran defensive tackle has spent most of his career playing 3-technique, which aligns well with Houston’s defensive front.
He has been highly productive throughout his career and provides interior pass-rush ability.
Like Franklin-Myers, the biggest question may be cost, as he could end up slightly above the range Houston typically spends on defensive tackles.
Texans Re-Sign Candidates
Sheldon Rankins
Sheldon Rankins should be a strong candidate for the Texans to bring back.
Rankins had a great bounce-back season in Houston and already has strong chemistry with the defensive line, particularly Will Anderson Jr.
If the Texans could bring him back around $7 million per year, that would represent a very good value.
Tim Settle Jr.
Tim Settle Jr. is another player Houston should consider retaining.
Settle finished the season on injured reserve following foot surgery, but he should be fully healthy heading into the 2026 season.
Because of the injury, Houston may be able to bring him back on a team-friendly deal that benefits both sides.
Denico Autry
Another potential re-sign candidate is Denico Autry, though it appears less likely at this point. Aaron Wilson has reported that the expectation is the Texans may not re-sign Autry this offseason.
Autry has been a very underrated player throughout his career, largely because of his versatility. He can line up both on the edge and inside at defensive tackle, which has allowed the Texans to use him in multiple roles across the defensive front.
He has also brought value on special teams, using his length and timing to affect kicks and field goal attempts.
If he were to return, he would still be a strong contributor. However, I personally don’t have him as high on my list of re-sign priorities because of the other options available on the market who could fill a similar role.
Many of the players mentioned in this article have the ability to play both inside and outside along the defensive line, and several of them also bring the same type of length that can impact kicks on special teams.
Because of that, while Autry is a very good and underrated player, Houston may ultimately decide to explore other options at the position.
Solid Veteran Fits
Sebastian Joseph-Day
Sebastian Joseph-Day could be a strong value addition.
At 6'4", 310 pounds, he has the size and experience playing 3-technique, making him a natural fit in Houston’s defensive scheme.
Calais Campbell
Calais Campbell will be entering his 19th NFL season, which is wild to say, but he is still playing at a high level. At 6'8", 282 pounds, Campbell offers rare length and versatility along the defensive front. If the Texans do not re-sign Denico Autry, Campbell could make sense as a veteran who can help fill some of that role — giving Houston early-down edge-setting ability and interior pass-rush juice on passing downs. He would not be a long-term answer, but as a rotational veteran fit in this scheme, he makes a lot of sense.
Shelby Harris
Shelby Harris fits the mold of the type of rotational veteran the Texans have had success with in this system.
He has been a consistent contributor throughout his career and could be a relatively affordable addition.
Former Texans / Familiar Fits
Maliek Collins
Maliek Collins spent time with the Texans in 2023 and fits the size and alignment profile Houston tends to prefer along the interior defensive line.
If he were to become available, he could represent a solid value reunion option.
Less Ideal Fits
Some available defensive tackles are solid players but do not appear to be ideal fits for Houston’s defensive philosophy.
Dalvin Tomlinson
Tomlinson has had a strong career but plays more frequently in the A-gap as a traditional interior defender, rather than the B-gap penetrating role Houston tends to prioritize.
DJ Reader
Former Texan DJ Reader remains a very good player but also profiles more as a true nose tackle, which does not align as closely with Houston’s defensive front.
DaQuan Jones
DaQuan Jones falls into a similar category as a larger run-stopping interior lineman rather than the penetrating defensive tackle Houston typically looks for.
Upside Options
Logan Hall
Logan Hall could be an intriguing low-cost upside addition.
The 6'6", 283-pound defensive lineman out of Houston had a slow start to his career but has shown steady improvement and could potentially fill a role similar to Denico Autry.
Potential Trade or Cut Candidates
Several players around the league could also become available through trades or releases.
DeForest Buckner
Buckner would be a home-run addition if he became available. The 6'7", 295-pound defensive lineman has been extremely productive throughout his career and could play both interior defensive line and some edge (Autry role).
Arik Armstead
Armstead would represent an ideal replacement for Denico Autry. At 6'7", 290 pounds, he played both defensive tackle and edge under Saleh and Ryans in San Francisco.
Grover Stewart
Stewart has played more nose tackle in his career than most Demeco 3tech DTs, but could potentially transition into a different role depending on how Houston uses him.
Roy Robertson-Harris
Robertson-Harris could also fill a role similar to Autry as a flexible defensive lineman capable of playing inside and outside.
Javon Hargrave
Hargrave is a proven veteran who fits the 3-technique role, though his price could end up too high.
Harrison Phillips
Phillips is another solid veteran who fits Houston’s size profile and could be available at a reasonable price depending on roster decisions.
Final Thoughts
Last season, the Texans carried five defensive tackles on the 53-man roster — two starters and three reserves.
That number also didn’t include Denico Autry, who spent time on the NFI list but functionally played a hybrid edge/defensive tackle role and could realistically be counted as a sixth interior defensive lineman depending on how the front was structured.
Looking ahead to this season, there are a handful of names on the roster, but I would currently view players like Hamilton and Tafuna as more likely practice squad candidates once roster cuts arrive, though that can certainly change with a full offseason and training camp ahead.
As things stand right now, the Texans have three primary interior defensive linemen under contract:
Tommy Togiai
Naquan Jones
Mario Edwards Jr.
However, I do think there is a legitimate chance that Mario Edwards Jr. could be released, which would leave Houston with just two returning defensive tackles heading into free agency.
If the Texans ultimately carry five or six defensive tackles again, that means Houston could realistically be looking to fill three to four spots between free agency and the draft.
My expectation is that the Texans will prioritize continuity first.
I believe there is a strong chance Houston re-signs both Tim Settle Jr. and Sheldon Rankins, as both players fit the scheme well and their markets may not rise to the point where the Texans feel priced out.
If those two return, that would bring the group to four players.
From there, adding one more veteran free agent makes sense before turning to the draft.
A reunion with Maliek Collins would make a lot of sense in that scenario. Collins already fits the size and alignment profile the Texans look for and has prior experience in Houston’s system.
Interestingly, if the Texans followed that path — re-signing Rankins and Settle while adding someone like Collins — those moves might feel somewhat underwhelming to fans when they happen.
But much like we’ve seen before in DeMeco Ryans’ system, by the middle or end of the season those same moves could end up looking like extreme value signings once the scheme maximizes the players’ strengths.
That would likely leave one final spot in the rotation, which could serve as the replacement for the Denico Autry role — a versatile defensive lineman capable of playing both inside and outside.
That spot is where Houston could potentially make a more aggressive move.
If I were making a prediction — and admittedly being a little wishful here — I would keep an eye on the possibility of the Texans exploring a trade involving a late-round pick for either Arik Armstead or DeForest Buckner.
Both players are entering the final year of large contracts, and both of their teams could benefit from creating cap space.
Admittedly, that scenario may be somewhat unlikely, especially considering both players are currently within the division.
But from a financial standpoint, Buckner would make the most sense as a cap-clearing move for his team, and either player would represent a major addition to Houston’s defensive front.
Even if a move like that never materializes, the Texans have shown they are more than capable of building a strong interior defensive line through value signings, scheme fits, and strong development.
One other point worth mentioning is the growing sentiment among many Texans fans that it may be time for Houston to invest heavily in a top-tier interior defensive lineman.
After watching the Eagles dominate the Super Bowl last year behind Jalen Carter and Milton Williams, and then seeing the Seahawks do the same this year coupled with teams like the Seahawks, Broncos, Rams, and Patriots give the Texans problems with strong interior defensive line play, it’s understandable why that conversation has gained momentum.
Interior pressure can change games, and many of the toughest matchups the Texans faced over the past season came against teams with very strong defensive tackle play.
My preferred approach outlined above doesn’t necessarily involve signing the biggest name on the market. However, a move like trading for DeForest Buckner or Arik Armstead would certainly fall into that category and could dramatically raise the ceiling of the defensive front.
Even if a move like that doesn’t happen, the Texans are in a much better roster position this offseason than they were a year ago, which means they could also look to the early rounds of the draft to add a high-upside interior defensive lineman without needing that player to immediately fill multiple holes across the roster.
If the approach above continues, Houston’s defensive line could once again outperform expectations in 2026.
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