The Houston Texans have locked down another defensive cornerstone, signing Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair to a three-year contract extension that will keep him in Houston through the 2029 season. While the team didn't disclose the financial terms when announcing the deal Friday, reports value the extension at $54 million.
"Truthfully, I just wanted to be authentically myself," Al-Shaair said. "I always felt like if I got the opportunity to be at a place and show everybody who I was, then things would go well for the team and myself. I'm grateful for that."
The move comes on the heels of another massive Texans extension: defensive end Will Anderson signed a three-year, $150 million deal earlier this week, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Together, these signings signal Houston's commitment to building a championship-caliber defense.
Al-Shaair has been a force since joining the Texans two seasons ago. Over 27 games, he's racked up 173 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks, 13 passes defensed, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles. Last season was a breakout campaign—he started all 16 games and earned his first Pro Bowl selection, anchoring a defense that allowed the fewest yards in the NFL (277.2 per game) and the second-fewest points (17.4) during the regular season.
Before Houston, Al-Shaair spent the 2023 season with the Tennessee Titans and began his career as an undrafted free agent with the San Francisco 49ers, where he appeared in 56 games with 199 tackles and 11 tackles for loss over four seasons.
Off the field, Al-Shaair was honored as Houston's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year last season for his work supporting homeless youth—a cause close to his heart. After his family's home was destroyed in a fire, Al-Shaair experienced homelessness growing up, and he now supports charities that help young people in similar situations.
Reflecting on his journey, Al-Shaair shared a powerful memory from his childhood: his mother didn't want him to play football for fear he'd get hurt. He begged her and made a promise he's since kept.
"We were staying in a motel at the time," he recalled. "I said, 'I promise you, if you let me play football I'm going to make it to the NFL, I'll take care of our family one day.'"
With his extension now secured, Al-Shaair's promise continues to pay off—for both his family and the Texans' defense.