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Houston Texans Reach Contract Extension With C.J. Stroud’s Most Reliable Target in Nearly $20 Million Deal

HOUSTON — As the NFL offseason begins to heat up, the front office of the Houston Texans has moved quickly to secure one of the most important pieces of its offense. The team has reached a contract extension agreement with tight end Dalton Schultz, widely considered one of quarterback C.J. Stroud’s most dependable targets, in a deal worth nearly $20 million.

According to league sources, Schultz signed a one-year extension worth $12.6 million, bringing his total guaranteed money across the 2026 and 2027 seasons to $17.6 million. The agreement allows Houston to keep a key veteran presence in an offense that has rapidly grown into one of the most promising young units in the league.

Since arriving in Houston in 2023 after five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, Schultz has quickly become an integral part of the Texans’ offensive system. His ability to run precise routes, create separation in short and intermediate areas, and consistently make tough catches has turned him into a reliable safety valve whenever Stroud needs a critical completion.

Last season, Schultz recorded 82 receptions for 777 yards and 3 touchdowns, leading the Texans in targets while finishing second on the team in receptions and receiving yards behind wide receiver Nico Collins. His consistency played a major role in helping Stroud maintain offensive rhythm throughout the year.

Beyond his production as a receiver, Schultz also significantly improved his blocking last season, becoming a more complete tight end within Houston’s offensive scheme. His versatility has made him one of the most valuable all-around tight ends on the Texans’ roster.

Following the Texans’ AFC Divisional Playoff loss to the New England Patriots, Schultz even stepped forward publicly to shoulder responsibility after he exited the game early due to injury, defending Stroud from criticism and emphasizing the importance of accountability within the locker room.

By keeping Schultz in Houston, the Texans are sending a clear message about the direction of their offense. The organization intends to continue building around Stroud and the players who have helped stabilize the team’s attack in recent seasons. If the chemistry between Stroud and Schultz continues to grow, Houston could enter the upcoming season with legitimate hopes of pushing deeper into the playoff race.

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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. 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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