Houston, TX – The Houston Texans have finalized a three-year contract extension with linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, ensuring his presence on the team through the 2029 season. The deal, announced Wednesday, marks a significant move to retain a key defensive player.
Al-Shaair, 28, comes off his most impactful season with the Texans, recording 103 tackles, two interceptions, and nine passes defended in 16 games. This performance earned him his first career Pro Bowl selection and solidified his role as a central figure in the Texans' defense, particularly under head coach DeMeco Ryans, with whom he previously worked in San Francisco.
His prior contract was set to expire after the 2026 season. The extension signifies a commitment from the Texans, who have also recently extended edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., to building a long-term core. The financial terms of Al-Shaair's new deal are not yet public, but it is expected to position him among the higher-paid inside linebackers in the league given his recent production.
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Al-Shaair joined the Texans after two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, where he also played under Ryans. His journey began as an undrafted free agent out of Florida Atlantic. He is reportedly recovering from a thumb procedure, with full participation expected prior to the upcoming season. There were instances where Al-Shaair was noted for calling plays himself during fast-paced offensive drives by opponents.
In a notable incident from the past season, Al-Shaair was ejected from a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter after a facemask penalty on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who subsequently suffered a concussion. Al-Shaair later issued an apology to Lawrence. His previous contract had no guaranteed money remaining before this extension.
