Former Texans DT Joins Washington Commanders with Record $24 Million Deal – Claims Sheldon Rankins Was the Reason He Had to Leave Houston

Posted Mar 26, 2026

Washington, D.C. – March 25, 2026. Tim Settle, former defensive tackle for the Houston Texans, has signed a 3-year, $24 million contract with the Washington Commanders, marking his return to the team.

“I asked multiple times to stay, but the team didn’t want to pay more for my contributions. They said they needed the money for other purposes, and I knew it was for Sheldon Rankins. I love the Texans, but I had to leave because I didn’t feel valued here anymore.” Settle shared about his decision to depart.

Settle joined the Texans in 2024 and had an impressive season, but after the team signed Sheldon Rankins, he felt that he was no longer valued in the system.

In the 2024 season, Settle set career highs with 10 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 10 quarterback hits, making a significant impact on the Texans' defense.

However, Settle faced injuries during the 2025 season and could only play 15 tackles and 1 sack before being sidelined with a foot injury for the remainder of the season.

His inability to continue playing was one of the reasons the Texans decided not to extend his contract and instead brought in Sheldon Rankins to strengthen the defense.

“At that point, I felt I had no opportunity to prove myself in Houston,” Settle said, "They no longer needed me and allocated the money elsewhere."

For Settle, moving to the Washington Commanders represents an opportunity to regain his form and play a key role in their defense.

He cherishes his time in Houston, but not feeling respected led him to seek a new team where he could contribute and grow.

Washington Commanders signed Settle to a 3-year, $24 million deal, potentially rising to $25.5 million if certain contract conditions are met.

This marks Settle's return to Washington, the team that drafted him in the 5th round in 2018. He left the team after the 2021 season to join the Buffalo Bills.

Signing Settle is a significant move by Commanders to strengthen their defensive line, especially given their struggles on defense during the 2025 season.

“Settle brings us experience and stability to the defensive line,” the Commanders head coach shared, "He will be an important addition for us."

Settle is expected to join forces with Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen to form a powerful defensive trio that will help Commanders improve their run defense.

Though still young (28 years old), Settle has accumulated valuable experience and is ready to become an essential member of Commanders in the upcoming season.

The reason Settle had to leave Texans was due to intense competition and the arrival of Sheldon Rankins, a player the team decided to invest in instead of keeping Settle.

“Both the Texans and I knew that Rankins was the main reason I had to leave,” Settle admitted. "I no longer felt appreciated."

Now, Settle has a fresh opportunity with the Commanders to start anew and prove that he can still be one of the top DTs in the NFL.

Joining the Commanders not only gives Settle a new opportunity but also allows him to further his career and compete for a playoff spot in the near future.

With a $24 million contract, Settle has made an important move in his career, not just for the money but for the opportunity to continue developing his football journey.

C.J. Stroud Faces Intense Backlash Over Comments on LGBTQ Themes in Cartoons as Controversy Escalates Among Texans Fans
Houston, Texas March 21, 2026, a growing wave of controversy is surrounding the Houston Texans as star quarterback C.J. Stroud becomes the center of intense public scrutiny. The situation erupted after Stroud shared his views on children being exposed to LGBTQ themes in cartoons, emphasizing a preference for traditional values in early development. His comments quickly spread across social media platforms, igniting widespread debate and drawing strong reactions from both supporters and critics across the football community. A portion of fans defended Stroud, arguing that his stance reflects concern for childhood innocence and parental guidance in shaping early life experiences. However, the majority of public response has been sharply critical, with many claiming his comments conflict with modern values centered on inclusion and diversity. Within hours of the remarks going viral, hashtags calling for a boycott of Stroud began trending across multiple social media platforms nationwide. Some Texans fans publicly stated they would stop supporting the team if Stroud continues to represent the franchise as its leading quarterback moving forward. The controversy has extended beyond fans, as conversations have begun emerging about potential implications for brand partnerships and endorsement relationships involving Stroud. Critics argue that such statements could negatively impact corporate image, prompting discussions about whether companies should distance themselves from the quarterback. Despite mounting pressure, Stroud has reportedly remained firm in his position, showing no intention of retracting or softening his original comments. He continues to express the belief that children should experience their early years without exposure to complex societal topics that may influence their development prematurely. This stance has intensified the debate, as it raises broader questions about the role athletes play in expressing personal beliefs within a highly visible platform. The issue has now extended beyond sports, becoming part of a larger national conversation about cultural values and generational perspectives in modern society. As one of the rising young quarterbacks in the league, Stroud’s words carry significant influence, amplifying both the impact and the consequences of his statements. Within the Texans organization, the situation has created an additional layer of pressure as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Team leadership now faces the challenge of balancing on field performance expectations with managing a growing media storm surrounding their franchise quarterback. Some analysts believe this controversy could affect locker room dynamics, while others argue that performance on the field will ultimately define public perception. Fans remain divided, with ongoing debates reflecting deeper societal divisions that extend far beyond the boundaries of professional football. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the controversy fades or continues to escalate as the new NFL season approaches. For C.J. Stroud, this moment represents not only a professional challenge but also a defining point in how his public image will evolve moving forward.

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