Two players could be helping the Houston Texans clear up cap space ahead of the 2026 free agency period, but perhaps not in the way most fans think.
In a recent article by the Houston Chronicle's Jonathan M. Alexander, the Texans lay out a roadmap with points on how to fix the franchise after a 12-win campaign. One way to improve the roster is by freeing up cap space with extensions for players who could be staples of the run toward the playoffs next season.
Yes, All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. is expected to get paid following his dominant year, but his new deal won't kick in until after his rookie contract expires in 2027. As for linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and tight end Dalton Schultz, simply adding a year to their current deals would free up over $10 million in cap space, thus opening avenues for the Texans to spend and strike in free agency.
"Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and tight end Dalton Schultz are among the two primary extension candidates," Alexander wrote. "Those two extensions could save Houston $15.4 million in cap space."
Even if the move wouldn't free up that much cap space, both Al-Shaair and Schultz should be in line for new deals. Al-Shaair returned to his Pro Bowl form in the second year of his current three-year extension, racking up a team-leading 103 tackles, two sacks and two forced fumbles.
Schultz, who is also entering the last year of his three-year extension, became a security blanket for C.J. Stroud, serving as the No. 2 target in the passing game. With a team-leading 82 catches, Schultz became the single-season leader in franchise history among tight ends for receptions, surpassing Owen Daniels' record in 2012.
The veteran weapon also ranked second in receiving yards with 777 and third in touchdowns with three.
Houston has several free agents it must first re-sign, but the only way to get them back is by opening up the salary cap space. The best way to do so? Extend Al-Shaair and Schultz ahead of free agency later next month.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: LB Azeez Al-Shaair, TE Dalton Schultz could receive extensions