The Texans are in agreement with free agent defensive lineman Kendall Langford, according to Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star (Twitter link).
After losing both J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus to season-ending injuries in Week 5, Houston had widened its search for defensive front reinforcements in recent days. Veteran edge defenders Lamarr Houston and Tyson Jackson were in town for workouts today, while the Texans also looked at linebacker Jayrone Elliott, reports Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
No freely available player — including Langford — is going to replace Watt or Mercilus, who are arguably Houston’s best pass rushers. But Langford, who at 6’5″, 275 pounds should be able to play at both end and tackle in the Texans’ 3-4 scheme, will be able to add depth and experience to a defensive unit that ranked fourth in DVOA heading into Week 5.
Langford, 31, offers a wealth of NFL history, as he’s appeared in 135 games (113 starts) during his nine-year pro career. In 2016, Langford lasted just seven games before the Colts placed him on injured reserve with a knee injury that had bothered him since a 2015 arthroscopic operation. All told, Langford played 301 snaps and tallied 10 tackles. Notably, he failed to register a sack for just the second time in his and the first time since 2011.
Along with the Colts, Langford has also suited up for Miami (2008-11) and St. Louis (2012-14). He’s been employed this season, as well, as he bounced on-and-off the Saints’ roster but never actually appeared in a game for New Orleans.