Texans Sign Veteran Mario Edwards Jr. to One-year Deal

The signing of Edwards became the ninth defensive player the Texans have added since the start of free agency while replacing the services of their former pass rusher Jonathan Greenard. 

Following the departure of Greenard, Houston added Denico Autry and Danielle Hunter, who recorded a combined 28.0 sacks last season. Hunter became the Texans' biggest free agency acquisition, as the four-time Pro Bowler agreed to a two-year deal worth $49 million.

"How can we get the right guys to complement each other and play well off one another because that's how I see D-Lines play," coach DeMeco Ryans said. "It's not about just one guy. It's a complement of eight guys who can come in and continue to put pressure on the opposing team."

Edwards has played for five teams since he began his career as a second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft by the then-Oakland Raiders. His most successful tenure came after he joined the Chicago Bears in 2020. In two seasons, Edwards notched 25 tackles and 6.0 sacks in 27 games for the Bears.