Former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Tim Settle Jr. has inked a two-year deal with the Houston Texans, marking a significant move for the team in the early stages of the 2024 NFL free agency period. Settle’s addition is aimed at fortifying the Texans’ interior defensive line following some personnel changes that weakened the unit. His contract with Houston spans two years and could potentially reach a maximum value of $7 million.
The Texans made other notable moves, trading defensive tackle Maliek Collins to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, they saw Sheldon Rankins, a former starting defensive tackle, depart in free agency to join the Cincinnati Bengals on a lucrative two-year, $26 million deal. These departures underscored Houston’s urgent need for reinforcements in the defensive line.
Settle’s departure from the Bills concludes his two-year stint in Buffalo, where he had previously signed a $9 million contract in 2022. After his first season with the team, Settle restructured his deal for the second year. During his time with the Bills, he tallied 33 tackles, two sacks, and five tackles for loss while seeing action in 13% of the defensive snaps each season.
In terms of compensatory picks for the Bills in the 2025 draft, Settle’s contract hovers near the threshold for a compensatory free agent. Assuming his average annual salary doesn’t qualify Buffalo for a compensatory pick, the Bills’ compensatory pick outlook stands as follows:
- The departure of wide receiver Gabe Davis is projected to earn the Bills a fourth-round pick.
- The loss of defensive lineman Leonard Floyd is expected to result in a fifth-round pick for the Bills.
- Although the loss of Dane Jackson would have merited a sixth-round pick, it’s offset by the acquisition of wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
Looking ahead, the Bills face significant tasks in bolstering their defensive line, particularly in light of their current roster composition. Presently, defensive tackles Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and Eli Ankou are the only ones under contract, while the edge rusher/defensive end positions feature players like Von Miller, Greg Rousseau (with a pending fifth-year option decision), A.J. Epenesa, Jonathan Kingsley, and Cameron Kline.
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