Should Jonathan Greenard be given a franchise tag by the Texans?
In Houston, general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans are faced with crucial decisions regarding the restructuring of the Texans’ roster. The process of reshaping the roster is set to commence on Tuesday, as teams gain the ability to apply franchise tags to players with expiring contracts. The Texans, with 25 players entering free agency in March, are notably considering defensive end Jonathan Greenard as a key candidate for a franchise tag, valued at $23.3 million for the upcoming 2024 season as per Over the Cap.
Expressing his desire to stay in Houston, Greenard, the veteran edge rusher, emerges as a top priority for the Texans after an impressive season. Following a career-high performance, Greenard, who contributed significantly with 12.5 sacks and 52 tackles in 15 games, acknowledges that the decision ultimately lies with the team. Despite his commitment and love for Houston, he understands the dynamics of the game and leaves the outcome to unfold naturally.
Having played a crucial role in the Texans’ improved run defense, Greenard earned a run-defensive grade of 67.2 according to Pro Football Focus. Since his selection as a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Greenard has been dedicated to aiding the Texans in their franchise turnaround. The success of his 2023 campaign positions him for a well-deserved payday.
While the franchise tag remains an option, it is suggested that Houston might benefit more by securing a long-term deal with Greenard, projected to cost approximately $13.4 million annually over the next four years. Considering Ryans’ emphasis on investing in the defensive front and the difficulty in finding a suitable replacement for Greenard, it appears prudent for the Texans to prioritize retaining him. Ryans emphasizes the importance of building from the front, and Greenard’s stellar performance in the 2023 season aligns well with this vision.
