Texans officially sign LB Azeez Al-Shaair to extension

Field Level Media|published: Fri 1st May, 13:58 2026

Nov 2, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) reacts after a play during the first half against the Denver Broncos at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sean Thomas-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans announced a three-year contract extension with Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair on Friday.

Terms were not disclosed but multiple reports put the total value at $54 million.

Al-Shaair is the third key defensive player to sign an extension this offseason. All-Pro defensive end Will Anderson Jr. got a three-year, $150 million deal and five-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Danielle Hunter signed a one-year, $40.1 million deal.

Al-Shaair, 28, whose current deal was set to expire after the 2026 season, is tied to the franchise through 2029.

"This place is special. The people are special," Al-Shaair said, per KPRC2. "A sense of family is hard to come by. Who would have thought I would make it to the NFL? I went through homelessness. I went to several schools. I couldn't see myself putting on a uniform with anybody else."

Al-Shaair, a team captain and first-time Pro Bowl selection in 2025, recorded 103 tackles, nine passes defensed and two interceptions in 16 games (all starts) during the regular season.

He has totaled 535 tackles, six sacks, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and four interceptions in 100 career games (75 starts) with the San Francisco 49ers (2019-22), Tennessee Titans (2023) and Texans. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent.

--Field Level Media

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