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Former Chargers Playmaker Sends a Clear Message After Re-Signing With Texans – Ready for a Brighter New Chapter in Houston

HOUSTON, Texas – Just hours before the NFL’s 2026 legal tampering period officially began, the Houston Texans quietly made an important move to stabilize their defensive front by re-signing a veteran defensive lineman who previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers. The new one-year deal, reportedly worth up to $2.5 million, signals Houston’s confidence in the player after the impression he made late last season.

That player is Naquan Jones, who joined the Texans midway through the 2025 season after being claimed off waivers from the Chargers. Despite having limited time to adjust to Houston’s defensive system, he quickly made a positive impression on the coaching staff thanks to his effort and ability to adapt quickly.

Texans claim DL Naquan Jones - NBC Sports

In the final four games of the 2025 season, Jones recorded three tackles and logged 70 defensive snaps. While the numbers were not eye-popping, internal reports from Houston suggested he provided stability along the interior defensive line and brought strong energy to the team’s defensive rotation.

After agreeing to the new deal with the Texans, Jones delivered a determined message about his future in Houston. He believes the foundation the team is building could lead to something special in the seasons ahead.

“I’m excited to be back. We fell short last season, but the chemistry we built in such a short time was special. Everyone here wants to compete and be the best. We push each other every day, and I truly believe something great is coming for this team.”

Jones now enters the upcoming season with five years of NFL experience. Before arriving in Houston, he spent time with the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and the Chargers. Throughout his career, he has appeared in 60 games, recording 102 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, and five pass deflections while making eight starts.

One notable aspect of Houston’s roster-building strategy in recent years has been its unconventional approach at defensive tackle. Rather than relying heavily on high draft picks at the position, the Texans have frequently identified overlooked players from other teams and developed them into valuable pieces within their defensive system.

Bringing Jones back before free agency officially opened is another example of that philosophy in action. As Houston sets its sights on making a deeper postseason run, hardworking rotational players like Jones could quietly become important contributors to the Texans’ defensive stability moving forward.

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Texans Officially Part Ways with Former Starter Defensive Tackle for an Unexpected Reason – Failing the Physical Exam May Just Be an Excuse for His Departure, Leaving Fans Heartbroken
Houston, TX – March 11, 2026 Houston Texans have officially parted ways with Mario Edwards Jr., a defensive tackle who was once a starter on their roster for an extended period. This decision came after Edwards failed his physical examination during the 2026 free agency period, but the situation has left many fans puzzled and disappointed. The announcement of Edwards’ departure from Texans came as a surprise to many. Texans stated that the reason for his departure was his failure to pass the physical exam, but in a heartfelt statement, Edwards shared that he didn’t believe this was the real reason for his departure. He feels there was another reason for his release, one that he cannot understand, making this decision even harder to accept. "They said I had to leave because I failed the physical exam. But I honestly don't think that's the real reason. I used to love this team, and I still do. But they wanted me to leave, for a reason I just can't understand." – Mario Edwards Jr. shared in an interview after the news was officially released. Mario Edwards Jr. joined Texans early in his career and became a key part of their defense. Despite facing injuries and being sidelined for a few games in the 2025 season, he still contributed significantly to the team. Edwards recorded 44 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 27 games for Texans, proving to be a reliable player whenever the team needed him. Although he wasn’t a huge star, Edwards played an important role in strengthening the Texans' defense. His departure is a significant loss, especially considering the team is still in the process of rebuilding their defense. Texans have faced many challenges in the previous season, and Edwards was one of the players who helped maintain the strength of their defense. His departure has left many Texans fans feeling heartbroken, especially since Edwards had been with the team for a long time and showed strong commitment to the team. While Texans provided the reason that Edwards failed the physical exam, fans still cannot help but question the real reason behind this decision. Mario Edwards Jr. wasn’t just an important defensive player; he was someone deeply loved in the locker room. He had always demonstrated his commitment and dedication to the team, making it difficult to understand why he was let go. Parting ways with Mario Edwards Jr. could be a strategic decision to free up salary cap space, but it undoubtedly represents a huge loss for Texans. However, the team still has time to add more defensive players who could fill his position, and fans hope that Texans will make the right moves during the 2026 free agency period to maintain the strength of their defense and aim for the Super Bowl.

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