Texans lose out on Pro Bowler during NFL free agency
The Texans nearly secured a difference-maker on defense before being outbid.
According to NFL insider Ed Werder, the Houston Texans came very close to landing a Pro Bowler in free agency.
According to Werder, the Texans were in advanced talks with linebacker Leighton Vander Esch. Ultimately, LVE decided to re-up with the Dallas Cowboys on a two-year, $8 million deal with $2.5 million guaranteed.
Werder revealed that LVE chose the Cowboys over the Texans due to Dallas guaranteeing $1 million in 2024, while the Texans were unwilling to do so.
Vander Esch's deal also includes $1 million in incentives and $500k in active roster bonuses in both 2023 and 2024.
It does seem that money was not the only factor in Vander Esch's decision. Werder mentioned playing for Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and having a better chance at the playoffs were other important factors for the linebacker.
Vander Esch is a tackling machine, having collected 140 tackles and earning a Pro Bowl nod in his rookie season of 2018.
In 2022, Vander Esch collected 90 tackles, four tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. The backer out of Boise State earned a very solid 70.8 grade from PFF.
Without Vander Esch, the Texans currently have Christian Kirksey and Blake Cashman at the middle linebacker position. Expect the team to pivot to another free agent or address the position in the draft.
