The Houston Texans Get Solid Defensive Line Depth. Claimed Former 1st Round Pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles drafted Derek Barnett in the 1st round, 14th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was the third defensive end to be selected in the draft. He signed a 4-year, $12.85 million rookie contract with a $7,486,016 signing bonus and $12,850,772 guaranteed.

He was named the backup right defensive end behind Vinny Curry during his rookie season. He appeared in 15 games and made zero starts, recording 21 tackles, eight for loss, five sacks, 16 quarterback hits, and one forced fumble. Philadelphia won the Super Bowl in his rookie season. He recovered the fumble caused by Brandon Graham, which was the turning point in their Super Bowl victory.

He started in six games during his second season, recording 16 tackles, five for loss, 2.5 sacks, and 11 quarterback hits. He suffered a shoulder injury and missed the rest of the season.

He started in 14 games during his third season, recording 30 tackles, ten for loss, 6.5 sacks, 22 quarterback hits, and two forced fumbles. He suffered an ankle sprain in Week 13 and missed the next two games.

Philadelphia made their decision on his fifth-year option.

Philadelphia exercised his fifth-year option worth $10.05 million during the 2020 offseason.

He appeared in 13 games and started in 10 during his fourth season, recording 34 tackles, six for loss, 5.5 sacks, and 16 quarterback hits. He missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury. He suffered a calf injury in Week 15 and missed the last two games.

He appeared in 16 games and started in 15 during his fifth season, recording 46 tackles, seven for loss, two sacks, and 11 quarterback hits.

Philadelphia extended him during the 2022 offseason.

He signed a 3-year, $15.21 million contract extension during the 2022 offseason. He appeared in one game during his sixth season. He tore his ACL in their season opener.

Barnett fell out of the rotation.

Philadelphia released him because he fell out of the defensive rotation and was limited to 20% of defensive snaps.

What does he bring to Houston?

Derek Barnett brings depth to the Houston defensive line. He is a solid defensive lineman when he stays healthy. If he didn’t get injured, there is a possibility he remains on the Eagles roster.

Who are the defensive ends in Houston?

Barnett joins a defensive line tandem of Will Anderson Jr., Jonathan Greenard, Jerry Hughes, Kerry Hyder Jr, and Myjai Sanders.

Barnett gets a fresh start with a new team. Hopefully, he will make the most out of the opportunity.