Latest news with #DerekBarnett
USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Who is the Titans' biggest Achilles heel since 2020?
Who is the Titans' biggest Achilles heel since 2020? The Tennessee Titans and Houston Texans have a storied rivalry of two teams that share a city. The Titans originated in Houston and have deep roots dating back to the Houston Oilers, while the Texans are the current occupants of the city. The Tians lead the series 24-22, but no matter what kind of season either team is having, it's a tough game for both teams. The Titans and Texans have met 10 times since 2020, and the series has been split evenly over that time. However, the Titans have lost four of their last five meetings. Their biggest Achilles heel? Pro Football Focus says it's defensive end Derek Barnett. Barnett didn't turn into the star that many thought he would become when he was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but don't tell the Tennessee Titans. Since he was claimed off waivers by the Texans in 2023, Barnett has faced Tennessee four times and has recorded at least an 84.6 PFF overall grade in all four games. His production includes 16 pressures, five sacks, a 23.4% pass-rush win rate and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Barnett joined the Texans for six games in 2023 after being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles. But his production against the Titans exceeds any of the other Texans' defenders. His impact is felt all along the line; two of his five sacks, both of his stuffs, and both of his fumble recoveries in 2024 came against the Titans. Mike Borgonzi has spent this offseason attempting to bolster the offensive line and add weapons for rookie quarterback Cam Ward, and we'll see if those efforts do anything to stop Barnett when the Titans see him this fall.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Derek Barnett leads NFL in fumble recovery touchdowns, but future with Houston Texans remains uncertain
Derek Barnett (via Getty Images) Derek Barnett has emerged as one of the most effective defensive players in the NFL due to his unparalleled fumble recovery skills and ability to convert them to points. The Houston Texans pass rusher concluded the previous season on top with a league record in fumble recovery touchdowns. Still, there is no certainty about his long-term spot with the franchise. Even though he made his mark, Derek Barnett's future in Houston is uncertain as team management balances fiscal issues and roster plans for the future. Derek Barnett's standout defensive season could still lead to Texans exit Derek Barnett with a Spectacular Defensive Touchdown vs. Tennessee Titans Derek Barnett's 2023 campaign with the Houston Texans was one of highlight-reel plays and statistical milestones that defensive players only wish for. His timing, awareness on the field, and knack for taking advantage of loose balls made him an invaluable presence for the Texans' defense. But even as he made invaluable contributions, his one-year deal and $4 million cap figure put him precariously on thin ice as the team assessed its offseason needs. Derek Barnett's fumble recovery talent isn't luck—it is the result of quick reflexes, solid positioning, and tireless pursuit. His ability to turn possession into points makes him singularly important in a league that is always on the lookout for game-altering talent. However, professional athletics is not usually driven by this logic. Even with his production, Derek Barnett is a trade candidate. The front office of the Houston Texans is said to be considering cap space, and Barnett's deal means he is a tradable asset. While the fans may view him as a vital cog of the defense, sometimes business in the NFL prefers flexibility to loyalty. Down the line, Derek Barnett will get an opportunity to reinforce his standing, either in Houston or elsewhere. The Texans, however, need to weigh whether the top playmaking prowess outweighs cap consequences. Barnett is currently one of the only defensive ends in the game who cannot just stall a drive but single-handedly alter momentum with a defensive touchdown. Also read: Tom Brady ditches NFL life for Italian women, big money, and Raiders control after Gisele Bündchen split Whatever choice the future holds, Derek Barnett's play already has him among the upper echelons of defensive stars of the contemporary NFL. His special skill for converting defense into offense guarantees his name will live on—no matter the next jersey he sports. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Derek Barnett dubbed Texans' most underrated player in 2025
The Houston Texans have some big names on their roster, mostly on the defensive side with Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. But some talented players've flown under the radar, including defensive lineman Derek Barnett. Barnett, a former first-round pick by the Eagles in 2017, was picked up off waivers in the middle of the 2023 by Houston amid a run to the playoffs. He's been a pleasant surprise on defense as a No. 3 pass-rusher behind former starter Jonathan Greenard, Hunter and Anderson, totaling at least seven tackles for loss in each season while combining for 8.5 sacks. Barnett has also started in a pinch for both Anderson and Hunter, who missed at least one game last season. Advertisement Tom Blair dubbed Barnett the most underrated player on the Texans roster. "Barnett played just 38% of the Texans' defensive snaps in 2024, easily the lowest in any season in which he suited up for more than one game, while compiling 5.0 sacks, tied for 72nd-most in the NFL. So what is he doing here?" Blair said in his explanation about why he selected Barnett. "Well, scan his Pro Football Reference page a little further, until you see the one bolded number indicating he led the league with two fumble recoveries returned for a touchdown last year. "The former Eagles first-round pick, who was waived by Philly less than two years ago, might be long removed from his days as a regular starter, but he put himself in position to score when the ball bounced his way, matching a single-season high for fumble recovery TDs reached by just 35 other players since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. He also made an impact on his team -- and that surely played a part in him landing another deal in Houston this offseason." Barnett will also have to contend for playing time with new signee Darrell Taylor, who joins Houston after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the Chicago Bears. Houston also still has seventh-round pick Solomon Byrd, who carved out a role in the rotation late last season. The Texans open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans DE Derek Barnett dubbed most underrated player in 2025
USA Today
26-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Derek Barnett dubbed Texans' most underrated player in 2025
Derek Barnett dubbed Texans' most underrated player in 2025 A No. 3 pass-rusher in Houston, but a No. 1 on most teams. The Houston Texans have some big names on their roster, mostly on the defensive side with Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and All-Pro cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. But some talented players've flown under the radar, including defensive lineman Derek Barnett. Barnett, a former first-round pick by the Eagles in 2017, was picked up off waivers in the middle of the 2023 by Houston amid a run to the playoffs. He's been a pleasant surprise on defense as a No. 3 pass-rusher behind former starter Jonathan Greenard, Hunter and Anderson, totaling at least seven tackles for loss in each season while combining for 8.5 sacks. Barnett has also started in a pinch for both Anderson and Hunter, who missed at least one game last season. Tom Blair dubbed Barnett the most underrated player on the Texans roster. "Barnett played just 38% of the Texans' defensive snaps in 2024, easily the lowest in any season in which he suited up for more than one game, while compiling 5.0 sacks, tied for 72nd-most in the NFL. So what is he doing here?" Blair said in his explanation about why he selected Barnett. "Well, scan his Pro Football Reference page a little further, until you see the one bolded number indicating he led the league with two fumble recoveries returned for a touchdown last year. "The former Eagles first-round pick, who was waived by Philly less than two years ago, might be long removed from his days as a regular starter, but he put himself in position to score when the ball bounced his way, matching a single-season high for fumble recovery TDs reached by just 35 other players since the 1970 NFL-AFL merger. He also made an impact on his team -- and that surely played a part in him landing another deal in Houston this offseason." Barnett will also have to contend for playing time with new signee Darrell Taylor, who joins Houston after four seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and one with the Chicago Bears. Houston also still has seventh-round pick Solomon Byrd, who carved out a role in the rotation late last season. The Texans open the season on the road against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
USA Today
15-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The Texans have two big needs left after free agency splashes
The Texans have two big needs left after free agency splashes The Houston Texans shored up their defense in the first wave of NFL free agency. Acquiring defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles while bringing in defensive line talent like Derek Barnett, Sheldon Rankins, Mario Edwards Jr. and Darrell Taylor should be enough to have DeMeco Ryans' unit competing for awards as the league's top defense. Now there's just one key position left to address: the offensive line. Which role? Basically everyone except right tackle. Even right tackle could use some sprucing, but it likely won't come until 2026. Houston traded five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders in exchange for four draft picks. It's a nice haul, but losing a talent who allowed nine total sacks over the past three seasons will be hard to replace. The Texans also cut ties with Kenyon Green and Shaq Mason, leaving long-term holes at both guard positions. For now, Tytus Howard is the only player guaranteed to start next season. Plans are to try him at left tackle, but if that fails, he'll shift inside to one of the guard spots or back at right tackle. Former second-round pick Blake Fisher will have an opportunity to lock down the right tackle job permenantly, but any struggles could lead to him being benched and out of the Texans' future. Houston signed Laken Tomlinson and traded for Ed Ingram to compete for reps at guard. Compete is the key word since neither is promised a starting job this offseason. At center, the Texans have competition between Jarrett Patterson, with the loser likely competing for reps at right gaurd. So, what does this mean? The Texans must select two linemen early come next month in Green Bay during the draft. Houston has four picks in the top 100, meaning at least half must go to shoring up the protection around C.J. Stroud. The Texans could also use a wide receiver, but after trading for Christian Kirk, that could be moved down the pecking order. Regarding pick No. 25, Texas All-American tackle Kelvin Banks Jr. should be the pipeline dream. If he's off the board, shifting inside to Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker as the top interior selection. Should both be gone, Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons and North Dakota State offensive lineman Gray Zabel are strong consolation prizes with the Day 1 potential to start. The Texans allowed 52 sacks last season, meaning change must come to keep Stroud upright. That change, at least for now, must come through the draft and a bit of hope that the picks with hit for the long haul.
