Texans Linebacker Depth Questioned in 2026 NFL Season Preview
Despite Azeez Al-Shaair anchoring a powerhouse defense, looming injury concerns and a looming roster crunch force Houston to gamble on youth over proven veterans to sustain dominance.
The Houston Texans made waves in recent weeks with key defensive signings. One of them was a contract extension of one of the best linebackers in the National Football League. The Texans re-signed Azeez Al-Shaair making a clear statement about his role in the future of the franchise.
Now Al-Shaair and the Houston defense are primed to take hold of the role of NFL's top defense again in 2026. Starters like Al-Shaair and Henry To'oTo'o play a role in the team's ceiling. At their best, Houston will be good at linebacker.
That said, one writer questions whether or not they have the depth to hold up if they have injury concerns. Kenneth Levy of SB Nation discussed the Texans' linebacker depth heading into training camp. Here's what Levy wrote about the position.
"Like tight end, linebacker depth is a mess. This is arguably the deepest, most competitive room in all of the NFL. NINE.