Houston Texans versatile linebacker Brennan Scarlett could be in line for a contract extension if he is able to take advantage of this upcoming season.
With the absence of Jadeveon Clowney from the Houston locker room, fourth-year linebacker Brennan Scarlett has been given an opportunity to showcase himself. Clowney is currently training away from the team after Texans opted to place the franchise tag on him.
Clowney’s situation has complicated Houston’s potential front seven. To further muddy the waters, Duke Ejiofor, Clowney’s backup, is out for the season with an Achilles injury. Due to these factors, Scarlett could be thrust into a prominent role in this defense.
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Scarlett entered the league in 2016 as an undrafted free agent and signed with the Texans following the conclusion of that year’s draft. Over the past three seasons with the team, Scarlett has served primarily as a backup. However, he has been the plug-and-play guy when starters are sidelined due to injury.
In three years with Houston, Scarlett has posted respectable numbers for a backup. He’s recorded 54 total tackles — 34 of which were solo. In the 2017 season, Scarlett made his presence felt as he recorded 26 tackles, six tackles for loss and finished the season with two sacks.
Last season, Scarlett’s production went down as he only started three games. He finished the season with 18 tackles, a fumble recovery, and a single interception. Despite not having a flashy stat line, Scarlett made impact plays while on the field.
Arguably his biggest moment of the year came when he intercepted Alex Smith of the Washington Redskins. The play kept the Redskins out of the endzone during a drive that looked like it would end in six. Houston went on to win the game, thanks in part to Scarlett’s standout play.
In this past offseason, Scarlett signed a one-year tender worth just over $2 million to stay through this season. Scarlett will be an unrestricted free agent once this season concludes, and he will be free to sign with whoever he so chooses.
This season is Scarlett’s chance to prove himself to not only the Texans but the other 31 NFL teams. Scarlett has been a good contributor on the Texans defense and special teams whenever he is able to stay healthy and step on the field.