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.
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.













