Solomon Byrd

Career StatsC

Year	Team	GP	Sacks	Tkl	TFL
Career		1	—	2	1
2025		3	1.0	7	1.5
2024		1	0.0	2	1

Updated Jun 6, 2026

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Salary-cap math on Solomon Byrd's contract works out to a B- Contract Value Index given the dead-cap exposure and term. At $1.005M AAV on a rookie scale deal, Byrd represents pure organizational depth—he's a seventh-round pick (2024) entering his second year with minimal leverage and zero guaranteed money beyond the league-mandated rookie floor. His 2025 season output of 7 tackles, 1 sack across 3 games tells the story: replacement-level production that doesn't move the needle, yet the contract structure keeps him affordable as a depth rotation piece. The CVI reflects what the data shows: this is cheap reserve depth with no dead-cap trap, meaning Houston can cycle him through the roster without financial consequence. Media framing pegs Byrd as a camp body fighting for a 53-man spot in a competitive edge rusher room, and the recent team direction—cycling pass-rushers and cutting established contributors—signals he's expendable organizational filler rather than a protected developmental asset. The sentiment grade (D+) confirms the broader narrative: Byrd was bundled into a batch of reserve-future signings with minimal individual attention, and his modest pass-rush upside hasn't convinced anyone in the building or the fanbase that he'll survive the preseason cut-down. For a 26-year-old second-year player on a rookie deal, this CVI verdict is fair—good value in the abstract, but only because the stakes are so low.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Solomon's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Solomon Byrd is a rookie defensive end for the Houston Texans still finding his footing in Year 1. Selected to contribute depth at a premium position, Byrd has appeared in one game and earned a C grade, suggesting early promise tempered by inconsistency typical of first-year edge rushers. His developmental trajectory remains wide open, though current production places him in the lower-middle tier of 2025 rookie pass rushers. Byrd's film reveals encouraging burst and gap discipline. He's posting 0.33 sacks per game, well above the 0.19 NFL average and approaching elite territory at 0.66, while his 0.50 tackles for loss per game significantly outpaces the league mean of 0.27. However, his quarterback hit rate of 0.33 per game trails the NFL average of 0.43, indicating he's winning with violence but not always finishing plays with secondary pressure. This gap between tackle production and hit frequency suggests he's generating opportunities but occasionally failing to extend them into quarterback impact. The limited sample size demands patience. Byrd's C-minus mark in 2025 versus a C in 2024 reflects the expected growing pains of a young edge rusher adjusting to NFL pace and technique. His sack and tackle-for-loss metrics indicate the foundational tools are present—he's winning in the trenches more often than not. The immediate focus should be translating that disruption into consistent QB pressure and developing the counter moves necessary against veteran offensive tackles. If he can close the gap between tackles made and hits recorded, Byrd could develop into a reliable rotational pass rusher.

How Solomon Compares at the Position

Solomon Byrd ranks 71st of 147 graded defensive ends by performance. That slots Solomon between Jacob Martin (C) just ahead and Isaiah Mcguire (C) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Texans add depth to defensive line with a reserve-future deal signing. Multiple headlines confirm Solomon Byrd joins Houston alongside several other budget signings. This is a low-cost, low-risk roster construction move typical of offseason depth building. Fans view it as standard practice squad-caliber addition, not an immediate impact player. Byrd will compete for roster spots during training camp with minimal guaranteed commitment.