Houston Texans running back Devin Singletary. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texans RB expresses desire to stay with team

Originally posted on Pro Football Rumors
By Sam Robinson | Last updated Jan 4, 2024 2:43 PM ET

Devin Singletary operated as the primary Bills running back during most of Josh Allen‘s initial years as their quarterback, but the former third-round pick did not receive too much interest on the open market.

A crowded running back free agent class led to a host of low-cost deals, giving the Texans an opportunity to add a proven veteran on a one-year, $2.75M contract. Singletary has outperformed that deal, though the running back position’s value remains in question despite Jonathan Taylor‘s extension. Taylor’s Saturday counterpart would prefer to avoid another relocation.

Singletary said Thursday he wants to run it back with the Texans, via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, indicating he would embrace a return if the organization expresses interest as well. DeMeco Ryans has viewed Singletary as a vital part of the team’s turnaround, and the 5-foot-7 running back is closing in on a career-high total for single-season rushing yards.

Once again displaying durability, the diminutive back has taken over as Houston’s lead ball carrier. Dameon Pierce led the way as a rookie and spent the first half of this season as the Texans’ starter, but the 2022 fourth-round pick has not offered up a quality follow-up effort. With 835 rushing yards, Singletary more than doubles Pierce’s total (416). Pierce is also averaging just 2.9 yards per carry (to Singletary’s 4.3). Houston’s current RB1 ranks 16th in Next Gen Stats’ rushing yards over expected metric, with 58. Pierce ranks in the bottom five near the end of a disappointing season in Bobby Slowik‘s offense.

While GM Nick Caserio drafted Pierce, the Florida alum was obtained to play in Pep Hamilton‘s offense. Singletary has proven a fit under Slowik, who will certainly be back if he does not land a head coaching job during this year’s cycle. Singletary logged two high-volume college seasons, totaling 714 carries across his career at Florida Atlantic, but has played in at least 16 games in each of the past three seasons.

Having never topped 300 receiving yards in a season, Singletary likely will not carry a substantial price tag for 2024. Another crowded free agent market will affect his next salary. This year’s three franchise-tagged backs — Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard — join the likes of D’Andre Swift, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry, Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and ex-Bills teammate Zack Moss as free agents-to-be. But the 26-year-old back has likely upped his market by a bit. Considering Singletary’s importance in the Texans’ new offense, it would be a bit surprising if the team was not interested in a second contract.