Source: Texans reward Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair with three-year contract extension

HOUSTON – Texans hard-hitting Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, a team captain and defensive signal caller, has reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension, per a league source.

The emotional leader of the NFL’s top-ranked defense, was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time last season.

The deal was negotiated by veteran agent Jason Chayut of Sports Stars and Texans general manager Nick Caserio.

Al-Shaair, a former undrafted free agent from Florida Atlantic, recorded a team-high 103 tackles and a career-high nine passes defensed, two quarterback hits, one tackle for a loss, one interception and one fumble recovery.

Last year, the Texans restructured the contract of Al-Shaair, lowering his salary-cap figure by $6.26 million, per a league source.

Al-Shaair signed a three-year, $34 million deal previously that included an $11 million signing bonus and $21.5 million in total guarantees.

His scheduled $9 million base salary for 2025 was lowered to create additional financial flexibility for free agent spending for the defending AFC South champions.

He was previously due an $11 million base salary in 2026 that’s not guaranteed.

He had automatically voidable years in 2027 and 2028 of $15 million annually under the previous change to his deal.

Al-Shaair, a former undrafted free agent, played for Texans coach DeMeco Ryans with the San Francisco 49ers.

He joined the Texans after one season with the Tennessee Titans.

Al-Shaair was joined by fellow Pro Bowl selections and starters in the annual all-star selection by defensive end Will Anderson Jr., All-Pro corner Derek Stingley Jr. and wide receiver Nico Collins.

The Pro Bowl selection and Walter Payton Man of the Year club winner was named the Pro Football Writers of America local chapter’s annual Media Good Guy award winner for his candor, cooperation and consistent availability before and after games, in wins or losses last season.

Al-Shaair was presented with a trophy at NRG Stadium. He follows previous Good Guy award winners, Joe Mixon and C.J. Stroud, over the past three years:

“I appreciate you guys,” Al-Shaair said. “I think everybody has a job to do. Every time I talk to you guys, I’m trying to do my job to the best of my ability. You’re dedicated to what you gotta do equally as I’m dedicated to what I do. And I think you understand, this is a profession that we all take serious. Everybody has their aspirations and what they’re trying to accomplish.”

Al-Shaair drew heavy criticism for a concussion-causing hit on a late sliding Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence a year ago and served an NFL suspension. He and the Texans took exception to the language in a disciplinary letter from NFL executive Jon Runyan and defended his character. During that time, Al-Shaair was open and forthright about his emotions as he revealed that he was in a dark place at that time and briefly contemplated walking away from the game.

Al-Shaair is willing to delve into a variety of topics, including his Muslim faith and wide-ranging philanthropy, along with football strategy, offering a window into the game. It’s a two-way street of mutual respect and understanding.

“For me given as much of the insight as I can give, being around you guys all the time, knowing the personalities, knowing the different stories that you guys have written, how far you guys have come individually in your own journeys to get here, it’s no different than me as a player,” Al-Shaair said. “It’s not that hard. I’m definitely grateful for you guys giving me this. I appreciate the work that you guys do for us as well.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com