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Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans looks on before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
With general manager Nick Caserio’s aggressive approach to roster building, head coach DeMeco Ryans has built the Houston Texans in his image. That is particularly true for the Texans on defense, where Pro Bowler Azeez Al-Shaair roams.
The Dallas Cowboys could be hoping that Al-Shaair is the latest to be on the wrong side of Caserio’s shrewd maneuvering.
Ryans could be the largest obstacle in their path.
Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair on Cowboys’ Trade Radar
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans celebrates against the Buffalo Bills.
Al-Shaair has been with the Texans since 2023, Ryans’ first season at the helm. He followed his former position coach over from the San Francisco 49ers in free agency after the Texans hired their former LB for the big chair.
A back-to-back team captain, Al-Shaair earned Pro Bowl honors in 2025. He had 103 total tackles, 9 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, and 1 recovery.
His efforts have caught the Cowboys’ attention.
“While the Cowboys could always add another pass rusher or another cornerback to fill out those positions, there is one major thing missing: a middle linebacker. Somebody to call the defense and wear the ‘green dot’ on his helmet,” ESPN’s Todd Archer wrote on March 20.
“He plays with an attitude (sometimes gets too far over the edge) and is set to make $11 million in 2026.”
A fan mentioned Archer’s blurb to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris.
“They’ve pivoted off [Patrick] Queen,” Harris responded to the direct inquiry about the players Archer mentioned in connection to the Cowboys. “Al-Shaair & [Jordyn] Brooks are being discussed though.”
Harris was not alone in his belief that the Cowboys would explore the trade market. The Dallas Morning News’ Joseph Hoyt echoed the sentiment.
“Locked On Cowboys” host Marcus Mosher believes Al-Shaair would be a good fit if available.
“Azeez Al-Shaair is in the final year of his contract and will turn 29 in August,” Mosher posted on X, adding, “With Houston having a bunch of big contracts coming up, it would make sense to move him.
Mosher called Al-Shaair “an awesome player” who he “would love” in a trade for the Cowboys this offseason.
However, that is where Ryans presumably steps in for the Texans and Al-Shaair.
DeMeco Ryans’ Bond With Azeez Al-Shaair Looms Large
GettyHouston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, Sheldon Rankins #90 and Azeez Al-Shaair #0 celebrate their 36-29 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Al-Shaair is heading into a contract year. The Texans must still sort out the futures of 2023 first-round picks C.J. Stroud at quarterback and Will Anderson Jr. at defensive end.
Tough decisions are coming, but Al-Shaair might not be one of them.
“Azeez Al-Shaair is basically DeMeco Ryans adopted son lol. That’s how tight they are,” ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime posted on X in response to Mosher’s comments. “It’s the NFL so never say never but yeah.”
Al-Shaair has been with Ryans for his entire career. He has also seen his head coach come to his defense amid his polarizing play on the field.
DLLS’s Clarence Hill Jr. is well aware of Al-Shaair and Ryans’ bond, calling Brooks more likely.
The Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander said it “would be the most shocking story in 2026” in response to Bien-Aime, underscoring just how low the odds of such a move are in the eyes of those in the Texans’ orbit.
Texans ‘More Likely’ to Make Different Decision on Veteran LB
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Denver Broncos.
Over The Cap’s Troy Chapman expressed his belief that the Texans were “more likely” to extend Al-Shaair than trade the veteran as the rumor made its way around social media.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti also listed Al-Shaair as an extension candidate for the Texans.
“Al-Shaair showed his true value to Houston in 2025, becoming one of the league’s best interior defenders (especially against the run), while solidifying the center of the NFL’s best overall defense,” Ginnitti wrote in January. “He enters a contract year in 2026, set to earn $11.5M against a $15M+ cap hit. He projects toward a 3 year, $39M extension in our system.
Al-Shaair has earned $33.5 million in his career. He could look to cash in on his next deal, regardless of who pays him. Spotrac projected Al-Shaair’s market value at $13.2 million annually, with a three-year, $39.7 million contract as an example of what he could land.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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