One of the breakout stars of the Houston Texans in 2023 will return this season.
Defensive end Derek Barnett re-signed with the Texans on a one-year deal, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. Terms of the deal were not immediately reported.
#Texans are re-signing veteran defensive end Derek Barnett to a one year deal, per a league source. Barnett played well after being claimed off waivers by #Eagles @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 20, 2024
Barnett joined the Texans late in the season after the Philadelphia Eagles waived him. He played six games for Houston where he recorded 2.5 sacks and 19 combined tackles. Barnett also had a 20.9% pass-rush win rate from Week 14 through the end of the regular season as well as seven tackles for a loss and three run stops over that time.
Where Barnett thrived, though, was in the postseason. He sacked Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco in the wild card round and forced what ended up being a pick-six in the second half.
The decision to bring Barnett back makes sense because of his experience and usability on the defense. He’ll be 27 in June and a great mentor and veteran for Will Anderson on the defensive line alongside Danielle Hunter and Denico Autry. Barnett’s time in Philadelphia is a huge boon for Houston, too, because of his ample postseason experience.