The Houston Texans have strengthened their defensive line with the free agency signing of defensive end Jerry Hughes.
Less than two weeks until training camp begins, the Houston Texans are still adding to their defensive line. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Texans have re-signed veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes.
Hughes will return for his third season with the Texans. He joined with his local team in May 2022 and has since made 67 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, and 12.0 sacks for the franchise.
Hughes’ best season came in his first year with the team. He established himself as perhaps the team’s greatest pass rusher, with 35 tackles, 10 quarterback hits, and 9.0 sacks. Hughes played two games in the 2023 season. His reasoning remained unclear.
With Hughes’ acquisition, the defensive line could be the Texans’ best position group heading into training camp. They signed Danielle Hunter, one of the league’s top free agents. The Texans also signed Denico Autry and Folorunso Fatukasi to play alongside reigning Defensive Player of the Year winner Will Anderson Jr.
Hughes began his career as the Indianapolis Colts’ first-round pick (No. 31 overall) in 2010. He later played for the Buffalo Bills after being traded from the Colts in August 2013. Hughes has accumulated 70.0 career sacks.
