The Houston Texans had a change of heart after new information became available regarding veteran defensive tackle Mario Edwards Jr.
This offseason has seen plenty of activity from the Texans.
That includes multiple trades in addition to several signings in free agency. Edwards is not the Texans’ highest-profile departure of the offseason, but his exit is in the conversation for their most surprising to date.
Texans Sever Ties With Mario Edwards Jr.
GettyWill Anderson Jr. #51 and Mario Edwards Jr. #97 of the Houston Texans celebrate against the Baltimore Ravens.
“The #Texans released DT Mario Edwards today with a failed physical designation, per the league’s transaction wire,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on March 11.
Edwards, 32, was the 35th overall pick of the 2015 draft by the then-Oakland Raiders.
He spent the past two seasons with the Texans, signing a one-year, $1.6 million contract during the 2024 offseason and then re-upping on a two-year, $9.5 million pact the next offseason. He departs with $24.2 million in career earnings.
“Edwards was ruled out for the season with a ruptured pectoral and ended the year on injured reserve. Now, the remainder of his two-year, $9.5 million contract is off the books with a savings of $4 million in cash from his salary with $1 million in dead money and a net savings of $4.4 million against the salary cap,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on March 11.
“The decision was financially motivated. Edwards is expected to have interest around the league.”
Mario Edwards Jr. Set to Continue NFL Journey Elsewhere
GettyMario Edwards Jr. #97 of the Oakland Raiders on the field during a game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Edwards had 44 total tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries, logging 12 starts in 27 games with Houston.
The Texans were Edwards’ seventh team.
He has also played for the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, Seattle Seahawks, and Tennessee Titans. Edwards has 200 combined stops, 26.0 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 2 recoveries, and has started 45 of 141 total appearances.
Edwards played in 14 games for the Texans in 2025, all as a reserve. However, he started 12 of his 13 games for Houston in 2024.
Wilson added on X that Edwards, “Should have options around #NFL” after the Texans cut him.
Texans Lose Former Starter to NFC Rival
GettyTim Settle Jr. #98 of the Houston Texans takes the field before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Texans’ decision to part ways with Edwards stands out amid the loss of his replacement in the starting lineup, Tim Settle Jr., in free agency this offseason.
“The #Commanders are bringing back a familiar face: DT Tim Settle on a three-year, $24 million deal worth up to $25.5 million in a deal done by his agent Andy Ross of @UpperEdgeSports,” NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported on X on March 9.
“The #Commanders’ 2018 fifth-round pick is back in Washington.”
The Texans did re-sign two-year starter Sheldon Rankins, but he will have a new running mate for the third straight season in 2026.
That could make defensive tackle a prime target for the Texans in the draft. Free agency pickup Logan Hall can also play both inside and out. However, he is a replacement for outgoing veteran Denico Autry.
They also return Kyonte Hamilton, Junior Tafuna, Naquan Jones, and Tommy Togiai.
Hamilton was a seventh-round pick by the Texans in 2025. Jones (2025) and Togiai (2024) are free agency pickups that have paid off.
Still, the constant turnover in the middle of the defensive line could suggest that it is time for the Texans to invest more heavily in the draft. That could not only give Rankins a new, longer-term sidekick. It could also land his eventual replacement.
Texans Officially Sever Ties With $24 Million Former Starter