The Houston Texans know Azeez Al-Shaair’s worth, signing him to a three-year contract extension. But Texans general manager Nick Caserio put that stance in action before the deal, when faced with a trade opportunity.
Al-Shaair has been with the Texans for the past two seasons, following his former position coach DeMeco Ryans over from the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent in 2024.
For the Texans, keeping Al-Shaair out of rival hands and in the mix was a foregone conclusion.
Texans Close Door on Cowboys Trade Talks
GettyThe Dallas Cowboys targeted Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for a potential trade.
“Before trading for Dee Winters, the #Cowboys talked to the #Texans about Al-Shaair, per @toddarcher,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on April 29, following the report of the extension. “But Houston values Al-Shaair for his play on the field and community work off of it. Now putting their $$$ down to further prove it.”
News of the Cowboys’ interest emerged before the 2026 draft.
“While the Cowboys could always add another pass rusher or another cornerback to fill out those positions, there is one major thing missing: a middle linebacker. Somebody to call the defense and wear the ‘green dot’ on his helmet,” Archer wrote in March.
“He plays with an attitude (sometimes gets too far over the edge) and is set to make $11 million in 2026.”
Archer was not alone, but KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson insisted the Texans would not deal Al-Shaair.
“Here’s my understanding of the situation: This is a player that’s not available for trade. That doesn’t mean he’s not available for any price. But what would they give you? Would they really give you a second-round pick, or third-round selection even? Why would the Texans trade their team captain, Walter Peyton award winner locally?” Wilson said in a video in March.
“It makes no sense. And my understanding of the situation is, one, he’s not available. Two, he’s more likely to get a contract extension or a restructure. And in that case, they wouldn’t want to do a trade.”
Texans Praised for Latest Contract Extension
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans celebrates against the Buffalo Bills.
Former NFL linebacker A.J. Hawk praised Al-Shaair, who has been a polarizing player for his to-the-edge playing style, calling the move “great.”
“The guys in absolute tone setter from the first snap, every single game that he plays, and I assume he’s that way in the building and walk through and practice as well. But that’s what’s cool. The guy’s the Walter Payton Man of the Year, and he’s also the most violent guy that plays through the whistle, play in and play out. So, he’s a great guy, I think, for the NFL. I’m a huge fan of watching. I want to show young kids his tape and say this: ‘You think you’re playing hard? No, this guy is playing hard,’” Hawk said on “The Pat McAfee Show” on April 29.
“There’s certain guys that you can turn on the tape, and they’re always playing hard, playing through the whistle. Not dirty. Not cheap. Just very physical, old school football. And that’s what Al-Shaair does.”
Former New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum also lauded the signing.
“The juxtaposition of Azeez Al-Shaair, where he’s the Man of the Year off the field, and he is a tone setter that fit around guys like Rex [Ryan] and [Bill] Belichick, guys that love those types of players,” Ryans said. “If C.J. Stroud can get back to where he was, they could compete for a championship.”
Former NFL cornerback Darius Butler, who spent the bulk of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, agreed, too.
“He’s a perfect example of what Bill Cowher always talks about, when he coached his guys of kind of towing that line, or having to pull him back. He toes the line every snap that he plays. I love him and that defense. I would love for him to be the play caller, the green dot, on the defense that I’m playing on. Another great signing by Caserio.”
Texans Slam Door Shut After Rumored Trade Talks With Cowboys