The Houston Texans knew they needed another body on the edge, and before Jadeveon Clowney was back in the fold, they spent time weighing another familiar name.
General manager Nick Caserio said during an appearance on 95.7 The Fan that Houston had conversations with defensive end Derek Barnett as it looked for help in the third defensive end role. Barnett had already handled that job for the Texans, and Caserio made clear the team was tracking that market closely.
“The third end spot was an area that we felt that we were going to add at some point. Derek [Barnett] did a good job for us in that role, had some conversations with him," Caserio said, "So, just kind of keeping track of the market; who are the players that are in that category?"
Barnett’s case was easy enough to understand. He had filled that same spot this past season, and for the two seasons before that, while putting together a useful stretch for Houston. In 2025, he finished with five sacks and 21 total tackles.
But the Texans ultimately went another direction, landing Clowney on a one-year deal with a base value of $5.5 million. That move gives Houston a more proven and experienced option behind Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter.
Caserio said the team had been in touch with Clowney and his representation from late spring into the summer, though the signing didn’t really come together until closer to training camp.
"JD [Clowney] was a player who, we had some conversations with initially-- maybe it was a little bit later in the spring/summer, then we kept in contact with his agent over the course of the summer," Caserio continued.
"At some point, there was a level of mutual interest. He obviously had a lot of interest from other teams...
But it worked out. It says a lot about Jadeveon; the fact that he wanted to be here...
He’s still shown the ability, whether it's in Dallas, Baltimore, Carolina, these different stops: he still brings some positive qualities to the table.”
With Clowney in place, Houston’s edge depth looks a lot more settled. The Texans now have a three-man group that should help keep the pass rush steady even if Anderson or Hunter miss time.
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Texans Camp Just Made One Roster Battle Feel A Lot More Real
The Texans second padded training camp practice brought a little more edge to the field, and not just because the pads were on. It was Jadeveon Clowneys first day back after re-signing on a one-year deal, adding another experienced body to a defensive end room that already leans on Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The session itself tilted heavily toward the offense, with C.J. Stroud drawing praise for a strong day and rookie wideout Jayden Higgins popping up with a few notable plays.
For Houston, the early days of camp are already beginning to sort out the kinds of decisions that can linger into August. The punter competition between Kroeger and Stonehouse remains part of the evaluation process, but Clowneys return gives the defense a more defined look and gives the Texans another familiar name to mix into the rotation. Even in a practice that featured offensive highlights, the roster picture is starting to sharpen in a way that makes the next few weeks worth watching. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Offense Has A Matchup Edge Defenses May Not Handle
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Against Buffalo, that edge looks even more intriguing because the Bills defensive personnel does not naturally match up well with Houstons height at every spot. In the key moments of this matchup, the Texans may have a straightforward way to stress coverage, especially if they are able to line up their bigger targets where defenders have to play through contact and play above the rim. [Read more 🡒]
Texans Send Clear Message With Latest Running Back Move
The Texans spent part of training camp taking a closer look at veteran running backs Alexander Mattison and Hassan Haskins, a sign they are still searching for more stability behind the top of the depth chart. With a proven starter in David Montgomery already in place, Houston is not shopping for a headline addition so much as trying to make sure the room holds up once the real hits of the season begin.
Mattison brings six years of NFL experience and is working his way back after recovering from a serious injury last season, while Haskins offers another option for a team that wants more competition at the position. For Houston, the interest is less about splash and more about practicality, and the next step will show whether either veteran fits what the Texans want as camp keeps moving. [Read more 🡒]