Houston Texans: 5 free agents that should be re-signed
By Jair Lopez
Brandon Dunn and Christian Covington
Brandon Dunn and Christian Covington aren’t well-known players in the Texans front seven, but they have been huge component parts of the success the defensive line has had in recent seasons. Covington has shown the ability to be a solid rotational defender and pass rusher, he had one of his best statistical seasons in 2018 having a career-best 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback hits, and four tackles for loss.
He has provided good production since being drafted in the sixth round in 2015, through four seasons he has 7.5 sacks, 65 combined tackles, one pass deflection, 11 tackles for loss, and 16 QB hits. Covington has played in 50 of the total 64 regular season games, Covington missed 9 games in 2017 due to a bicep injury.
Dunn emerged as one of the starters on the defensive line 2018, his high level of play and ability to take on double teams earned him a spot as a starter on the front seven. He only missed two games in the regular season due to an ankle injury, but he had 24 combined tackles, one forced fumble, and four tackles for loss. The Texans defense was ranked eighth in the league in stopping the run only allowing an average of 126.3 rushing yards per game.
It makes a lot of sense for the Texans to retain some of their defensive linemen with only having J.J. Watt, D.J. Reader, and Carlos Watkins under contract moving forward.