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New Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair always knew Houston was home

Gillberg
New Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair always knew Houston was home

Next week 15 years against the Tennessee Titans, Jalen Pitre maneuvered through a group of players to find linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The former San Francisco 49ers star was in tears during a 19-16 overtime loss, totaling 13 tackles, including two losses on third down.

Pitre, a standout defensive back for the Houston Texans, felt like he knew Al-Shaair through his film studies. First-year head coach DeMeco Ryans needed to update his roster with his “Swarm» defense, a large part of the film has been conceived during his time with the 49ers.

It was the first in a series of signs that Al-Shaair was intended to find his way to Houston for a reunion with Ryans during his career. In the offseason, it was obvious where he was directed.

“II am thrilled he is in our team,» » Pitre said Tuesday after practice. “he is a guy who knows the system very well and go help us a lot.”

Signed to a three-year, $34 million contract, Al-Shaair is expected to be the anchor as the defending AFC South champions enter a new era of Texas football. He already knows what Ryans is looking for in the middle, so the transition from a 3-4 unit to a 4-3 unit should be smooth.

Despite an exceptional season from Blake Cashman, the middle linebacker role has been a weak point in The Ryan one top 10 unit last season. Denzel Perryman, who signed a one-year contract, was missed in coverage and missed three games due to suspension. Henry, the rookie To’oTo’o was better used as a rotation option in space instead of a full-time starter.

With Al-Shaair, the Texans get a mix of both players. Last season, the former undrafted free agent was exceptional in run defense and Also took a step forward in coverage with four assists.

“TThe sky is the limit for me,» » said Al-Shaair. “I have high expectations of myself, and DeMeco coming in, he was hard on me. And I am grateful for that, because There is person who I can surpass the standards I have for myself.”

These expectations taken into account Al Shaair decision not to play with Ryans last season. The two sides had talked during the offseason, but the NFL is all business And At the time, Al-Shaair was a sub-package linebacker, sharing reps behind All-Pro Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw.

To increase any potential future long-term deal, Al-Shaair bet on itself by signing a one-year, $5 million deal agreement with the Titans, allowing him to become a full-time starter.

Not only did Al-Shaair win the green dot on the helmet as the defense’s quarterback, but he also totaled a career-high 163 tackles, fifth-most in the NFL.

While the statistics were not obvious out in the Bay, Ryans credited Al Shaair leadership and listening, something he first recognized it when they met at the group in 2019.

“HHe allows the other guys around him to be calm and play faster thanks to what he brings in terms of communication,» » Ryans said. “Not only that, communicating, but he can make plays, and that’s what you need to have at that linebacker position, and that’s what he can do..”

Even before speaking with former teammate Jimmie Ward or Ryans, Al-Shaair knew Houston was on his radar. Pitre, who has since become close friends with the former Florida Atlantic star, only strengthened the feeling of belonging during their two meetings last season.

Al-Shaair said the transition to Houston was smooth, largely due to his familiarity with The Ryan one scheme. In the locker room, however, he immediately felt like he belonged.

A year away from Ryans might have been the best for both parties. NOW, It is a force for a budding future in Houston.

“Ther doesn’t I have the impression I am join a team I have known only for a few months,» » said Al-Shaair. “It’s like feeling I have been here. It is a good feeling, that’s for sure.”

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