Texans Retain Veteran Defensive Lineman Naquan Jones

The Houston Texans have re-signed Naquan Jones to a one-year deal worth up to $2.5 million.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Houston Texans have re-signed veteran defensive lineman Naquan Jones to a one-year contract worth up to $2.5 million. Jones spent part of the 2025 season with the Texans after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite modest production, Jones made a positive impression and is excited to be back with the team as they look to build on their chemistry and compete for the best.

Why it matters

The Texans have made a habit of finding defensive tackles like Jones and getting production out of them, even though they were cast-offs from other teams. This move continues that trend as the Texans look to solidify their defensive line depth ahead of the 2026 season.

The details

Jones, a five-year NFL veteran, had 3 total tackles and played 70 defensive snaps in 4 games for the Texans in 2025 after being claimed off waivers from the Chargers. An undrafted free agent in 2021, Jones has played for the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans in his career, totaling 102 combined tackles, 6.5 sacks, and 5 pass deflections in 60 games.

  • The Texans re-signed Jones on March 8, 2026, just hours before the start of the NFL's legal tampering period.

The players

Naquan Jones

A 5-year NFL veteran defensive lineman who spent part of the 2025 season with the Houston Texans after being claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Chargers.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans.

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What they’re saying

“I'm excited to be back. The Texans fell short in the postseason but we were able to build chemistry quickly. You want to be a part of that. The camaraderie is only going to get better. Everybody wants to compete and be the best and see other guys be the best. It all flows.”

— Naquan Jones (KPRC 2)

“I believe it's going to be something great. I'm grateful and excited to be a part of what the Texans are building.”

— Naquan Jones (KPRC 2)

What’s next

The Texans will continue to evaluate their defensive line options ahead of the 2026 season, with free agents Folorunso Fatukasi and Tim Settle still unsigned.

The takeaway

The Texans have shown a knack for finding productive defensive tackles like Naquan Jones, who were cast-offs from other teams, and getting the most out of them. This move to retain Jones on a one-year deal demonstrates their commitment to building depth and competition along the defensive line.