Houston — The Houston Texans will not have a franchise tag player for the 2024 season, so Jonathan Greenard will lead the team’s free agent class on March 15.
Greenard will approach free agency as one of the best pass rushers on the market. He is coming off a 15-game season in which he recorded a career-high 12.5 sacks, 52 tackles, and 22 quarterback hits (2023).
He also played an important role in the Texans’ rebuilt run defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenard had a run-defense grade of 67.2, while the Texans allowed an average of 96.6 yards on the ground.
He also played an important role in the Texans’ rebuilt run defense. According to Pro Football Focus, Greenard had a run-defense grade of 67.2, while the Texans allowed an average of 96.6 yards on the ground.
“J.G. had his best year since joining the league,” general manager Nick Caserio said at the NFL Combine. “For J.G., the most important thing is to be available and take advantage of opportunities. He had several disrupted plays for us. “He is a talented young player.”
Greenard started the offseason with a market value of $13.4 million for a three-year contract. However, the league’s franchise tag deadline may have enhanced Greenard’s value.
Veteran pass rushers Josh Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Brian Burns (Carolina Panthers) have been tagged by their respective clubs, perhaps increasing demand for Greenard’s services.
Coach DeMeco Ryans wants to improve Houston’s defensive line. However, keeping Greenard will help Ryan achieve his goal, as any other pass rusher would cost the Texans a similar fee.
He is one of four remaining pass rushers poised to enter free agency who had 10 or more sacks the previous season. Greenard, aged 26, is the youngest of the four players to achieve the feat. The other pass rushers are Denico Autry, Jadeveon Clowney, and Chris Jones.
“J. G. did an excellent job for us. “He was extremely productive, and his play was physical,” Ryans stated. “He did all we asked him to do. We’ll see how free agency pans out, but we adore JG. We enjoyed what he done for us this year.”
Greenard entered the league as the Texans’ third-round pick (number 90 overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has been a key member of Houston’s defensive front for the past four years, recording 41 quarterback hits and 23.0 sacks in 48 games.
