The Houston Texans have brought guard Ed Ingram back into the fold right before the start of free agency, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Ingram gets $12.5M per year in a deal done by @AgentNicoleLynn of @KlutchSports. A priority for Houston, getting it done before free agency.
With just hours until the tampering window opens up, Houston re-signs their right guard to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, coming in at around $12.5 million in annual average value.
The deal ties Ingram as the 20th-highest-paid guard in the NFL in terms of AAV, tying Jacksonville Jaguars guard Patrick Mekari.
It’s a good deal for Ingram, and a good deal for the Texans, who can maintain some continuity on their offensive line that has seen some major shake-up already this offseason.
Ed Ingram’s Texans’ Tenure
Ingram started his career with the Minnesota Vikings, having been selected as the 59th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. After three disappointing years with Minnesota, the Vikings shipped the LSU product to the Houston Texans in March 2025 for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.
The move cleared $3.4 million for the Vikings, as they pivoted to Ryan Kelly and Will Fries in free agency to be their interior offensive linemen.
Houston, meanwhile, got itself a solid presence at right guard. Ingram only missed three games in 2026 and provided stability. According to Pro Football Focus, he only gave up four sacks and committed four penalties, ranking 67th and 27th among guards, respectively.
Now with a new deal under his belt, he figures to be a key protector for quarterback C.J. Stroud and will work on opening running lanes for new running back David Montgomery.
Texans Offensive Line Outlook
This is the second new contract the Houston Texans have given to one of their impending free agents.
Last Thursday, the Texans inked former Super Bowl champion and incumbent right tackle Duane Brown to a one-year, $7 million deal, locking him in at the same position for 2026.
With the right side of Houston’s offensive line figured out, general manager Nick Caserio can turn his attention to the left side, where there are a few more question marks.
2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery had a decent rookie season. The Minnesota product missed only one game throughout the season, but struggled in pass protection, giving up eight sacks to opposing edges, 79th out of 89 qualified offensive tackles, per PFF.
The Texans will likely look to attack the offensive line in free agency and in the draft, where they have multiple premier draft picks.
Houston has the 28th overall pick in the first round, two picks in the second round thanks to last year’s Laremy Tunsil trade, and a third-round pick via the New York Giants.
Texans Cap Situation
After re-signing Ingram, the Houston Texans sit at about roughly $18.83 million in cap space per Over the Cap, but in reality, it’s less, since you have to factor in the money that’s needed to get their incoming rookie class under contract.
As previously mentioned, expect Caserio to attack the left side of the offensive line and make some depth signings in free agency.
A return for veteran defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins could be in the mix, or even wide receiver Christian Kirk if the price is right.
Texans Re-Sign Key Lineman Right Before Start of Free Agency