Texans re-sign DE Jerry Hughes

Veteran defensive end Jerry Hughes was re-signed by the Texans.

The Sugar Land native, a former Indianapolis Colts first-round draft pick from TCU, is entering his third season with the defending AFC South champions.

Hughes, 35, has recorded 479 career tackles, 70 sacks, 19 forced fumbles, two interceptions, two touchdowns and five fumble recoveries.

Signed to a two-year, $10 million contract two years ago that includes $5.5 million guaranteed, Hughes, a Stephen F. Austin graduate, revitalized his career two seasons ago. His playing time dipped last season under new coach DeMeco Ryans. He appeared in 17 games with two starts and recorded one forced fumble and three sacks with 32 tackles last seasaon after finishing with nine sacks and 10 tackles for losses and 10 quarterback hits in 2022 playing for former Texans coach Lovie Smith.

“It felt fun,” Hughes said last year. “I don’t know if it was just being home or being around the people I grew up with or being in a comfortable environment with me being back home. It was great to get those sacks and get that rolling. It recharged me, revamped me and I’ve been looking at the sack totals, man.

“Trying to find ways to climb into that top 10, to five, leading the NFL in sacks is something we always talk about, ways to get to the quarterback, for me to have fun and get it done this year.”