
DE · Houston Texans
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'3"
Weight
250 lbs
Age
26
Draft
2024, Rd 7, #238
Experience
1 yr
DE Rank
#125 / 161
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Sacks | Tkl | TFL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | ![]() | 1 | — | 2 | 1 |
| 2025 | ![]() | 3 | 1.0 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 2024 | ![]() | 1 | 0.0 | 2 | 1 |
Updated Mar 20, 2026
Total Value
$1.0M
AAV
$1.0M/yr
The Houston Texans handed Solomon Byrd a modest $1.0M AAV deal that still manages to earn a disappointing D CVI, signaling this depth piece signing carries more risk than reward even at the bargain-basement price point. At 26 years old, Byrd profiles as a replacement-level edge rusher who hasn't demonstrated the consistency or upside to justify roster security, making this a questionable allocation of resources despite the minimal financial commitment. The one-year structure does provide Houston with flexibility to cut bait quickly, but using a roster spot on a player who grades as a depth piece suggests the Texans may be reaching for defensive line bodies rather than targeting legitimate contributors. While $1.0M won't break the salary cap, this signing reflects poorly on the team's ability to identify value in the lower-tier free agent market, where savvy organizations typically uncover productive role players. This move feels like organizational desperation masked as prudent spending, with Byrd unlikely to provide meaningful snaps unless injuries force Houston's hand deep into their depth chart.
Solomon Byrd's D- grade in Houston captures a defensive end who has struggled to make an impact at the NFL level. The young edge rusher has the physical tools to compete, but converting those tools into consistent pressure and production has been an ongoing challenge. His D- reflects a player who gets on the field in rotation without doing enough to earn more playing time. Houston's defensive line has depth and talent, which means the bar for getting reps is high. Byrd needs to develop his pass-rush moves and show more pop off the edge to justify continued investment. He's behind where the Texans hoped he'd be at this point in his development.
A low-risk reserve/future deal that keeps a developmental edge rusher in the building. Five headlines covered the move, mostly buried in a batch transaction announcement. Byrd's practice squad stint and one sack highlight suggest raw pass-rush potential but limited proven production. Fans view this as roster-filler depth work, not an impact acquisition. Byrd will compete for a training camp roster spot but faces long odds to make the 53-man squad.
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Recent seasons are weighted more heavily in the overall performance grade.
C
2025
(50% weight)
C
2024
(30% weight)