Addition of Jadeveon Clowney Rounds Out Glaring Weakness for Texans
A talented defender that becomes one of the best depth players immediately
The Houston Texans are bringing back defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. The former top pick by the Texans in the 2014 NFL Draft has played for six teams since the Texans traded him away in 2019. The NFL Network was the first to report it.
Clowney’s arrival shores up the depth at defensive end. It was one of the weakest parts of the Texans through the early days of training camp. Clowney perfectly slots into the backup spot behind Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
His 8.5 sacks led the Dallas Cowboys last season. Clowney also posted a career-high pressure percentage according to Next Gen Stats (which only has data back to 2018). The 18.1% pressure number was fifth among defensive linemen. He was credited with 12 hurries, the most in a season for him since 2021.
Clowney is also a prolific run defender. It was his calling card in Houston and is still a huge part of his game. He has finished with more than 32 stops (a play that creates a negative outcome for the offense) over the past three seasons. The rotation the Texans employ often puts their backup ends on the field on first down. Clowney’s run-stuffing ability will be useful there. The Texans start with a tough group of running backs. Buffalo’s James Cook was the league’s leading rusher and comes to Houston in week one. The next four opponents all possess a running back who rushed for more than 1,000 yards in 2025.
With Anderson and Hunter, Clowney knows he is signing up for a backup role, but there are plenty of snaps to be had. Clowney played in 13 games last season. He was on the field for 373 snaps. Derek Barnett was the third defensive end for the Texans last season. He appeared in 17 games, playing 350 snaps. It’s a lighter workload than usual, but it also allows Clowney to apply maximum effort on the reps he does play.
It’s an incredible addition by DeMeco Ryans for his defense. Clowney was the best free agent option available. The Texans identified their weakness and turned it into a strength with this reunion.
More Help Coming on the Defensive Line
The Houston Texans announced the signing of Mario Edwards Jr. He was released by the team earlier this year. He played most of last season before a pectoral injury ended his year. Edwards was listed as a defensive tackle. That’s what he played for the Texans, but he has previously played defensive end.
He joined a crowded room. Sheldon Rankins and Tommy Togiai started most of last season at defensive tackle and look to remain as starters. Kayden McDonald was the second selection by the Texans in this year’s draft. Logan Hall was a significant investment in free agency. Naquan Jones was a solid player down the stretch last season. Kyonte Hamilton, Junior Tafuna, and Dominic Bailey are younger players fighting to stick in the NFL.
Edwards was much better two seasons ago, but familiarity with the system and experience thrust him past most of the current defensive tackles in the pecking order. A strong part of the team got a tiny bit stronger.
Linebacker Depth as Texans Deal With Injuries
The Houston Texans are set to sign linebacker Sione Takitaki. Takitaki appeared in three games for the Minnesota Vikings last season. He played for the New England Patriots in 2024 after five seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Aaron Wilson was the first to report the signing, which is not yet official.
Injuries have hit the linebacker position hard. E.J. Speed was hurt during a workout. Jake Hansen was hurt during practice last week. Jake Hummel has been absent from practice.
Takitaki brings experience on defense and special teams. The veteran will have to catch up quickly as he enters into a battle for the linebacker spots behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o.
