One of the Houston Texans’ most underappreciated defensive contributors is staying put. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Thursday morning that linebacker Henry To’oTo’o has agreed to a two-year, $16 million contract extension, keeping him in Houston through the 2028 season. The deal includes a $1M incentive option based on performance.
The former fifth-round pick was an afterthought on the roster when he was initially drafted in 2023. Stuck behind veterans, To’oTo’o slowly worked his way up the depth chart and earned a starting role the past two seasons. He posted 200 tackles and four sacks over the past two seasons. While he does receive criticism for his coverage woes, he has been extremely reliable against the run and a sure tackler in open space.
The short deal keeps To’oTo’o in Houston through 2028. This contract is fairly team-friendly and maintains continuity in a linebacker room quickly overrun with injuries. For context, this deal makes him the 30th highest-paid linebacker in the NFL. A great deal for the Texans given his production and health. Compare that to Azeez Al-Shaair’s contract that’s fourth highest in the league and pays him $44.6M over the next two seasons.
With the new deal, General Manager Nick Caserio has inked the entire starting defense through the 2027 season. That is an incredible financial feat given the quantity of elite talent on the roster. The only notable free agent on defense will be DT Tommy Togiai.
