Texans lock up rookie DT Kayden McDonald on a new fully guaranteed 4-year deal

The Houston Texans have officially locked up rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald with a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $12.904 million. The deal was negotiated by agents Drew Rosenhaus, Robert Bailey, and Oliver Chell, securing McDonald’s future with the team after a late-second-round selection in the 2026 NFL draft. McDonald was selected at pick No. 36 after the Texans traded up with the Las Vegas Raiders to leapfrog the New York Giants. The 6-foot-2, 326-pound defensive tackle was a standout at Ohio State, anchoring the Big Ten’s top run defense with 65 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles in his final season. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praised McDonald’s physicality, noting his ability to disrupt offensive linemen and create pressure. ‘When he’s across the line from an offensive lineman, no matter who it was, he was knocking those guys back in the backfield,’ Ryans said. The coach emphasized McDonald’s potential to grow into a key role alongside veteran defensive tackle J.J. Watt. McDonald, a fan favorite, had been expected to be selected earlier in the draft but fell to the second round. His signing marks a long-term investment for Houston, which has struggled to find consistent run-stopping up the middle. The Texans will now focus on integrating McDonald into their defense as they prepare for the upcoming rookie minicamp and mandatory OTAs in June. McDonald expressed ambitious goals, including winning a Super Bowl and earning Rookie of the Year honors in his first season. ‘These are realistic for me,’ he said, highlighting his determination to make an immediate impact. The Texans will assess his progress during voluntary workouts later this month.