The Houston Texans have officially announced the contract extension price for Azeez Al-Shaair, linebacker and Pro Bowl middle linebacker, before he enters the final year of his current contract.
Al-Shaair is in the final year of his three-year, $34 million contract, signed in 2024. His contract is set to expire after the 2026 season.
With a base salary of $11 million in 2026, Al-Shaair will have a cap hit of about $15 million if not extended. He will become a free agent in the 2027 offseason.
The Texans have decided to extend Al-Shaair’s contract to keep him long-term and avoid the risk of him leaving and joining other teams.
The extension price announced is three years, worth $39 million, with an AAV (average annual value) of $13 million per season, according to sources from Spotrac and other reports.
Al-Shaair is a crucial pillar of the Texans’ defense. He is a defensive leader and is considered the "quarterback" of the defense.
The player is also known for his all-around play, excellent run defense, and impressive ball skills. He had over 100 tackles last season.
Al-Shaair also recorded 2 interceptions and 6 pass breakups last season, and his role has been instrumental in strengthening the Texans’ defense.
The Texans wanted to extend his contract early, before the 2026 season begins, to avoid the risk of losing Al-Shaair to other teams, especially the Dallas Cowboys.
Since joining the Texans, Al-Shaair has had a significant impact on improving the team’s defense in recent years.
With leadership ability and defensive stability, Al-Shaair is expected to be a key player in the Texans’ roster upgrade plan.
The article also pointed out that this extension was a timely move for the Texans, ensuring that Al-Shaair will not leave during the 2027 offseason.
For the Texans, extending Al-Shaair’s contract is an important step in building a strong defense and maintaining stability for the future.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have been considered the biggest threat, as they might sign Al-Shaair if he becomes a free agent, offering him an attractive salary.
Although the Texans are facing salary cap pressure, they chose to act promptly to extend the contract of a key player.
Experts view this as a safe decision for the Texans to keep an important player who will help the team compete at a high level in the future.
Al-Shaair is not only an outstanding defensive player but also a leader within the team. He has the ability to inspire and guide his teammates.
The current question is whether the Texans can maintain financial stability to retain Al-Shaair for the next three years.
This extension will allow the team to focus on upgrading other positions without worrying about losing a key player.
After this decision, Texans fans are hopeful that the team will continue to strengthen the defense, allowing C.J. Stroud and the offense to achieve success in the future.
With this new contract, Al-Shaair will continue to contribute to the Texans and maintain his crucial role in the team’s long-term development plan.
