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Texans’ Poach Critical Defensive Player from Division Rivals in Week 16

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Timothy McBride | Last updated 12/19/23

Division rivalries are bloodbaths in the NFL and that is clearly the truth between the Houston Texans and the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has clearly had a stranglehold over the division for the past few seasons but Houston certainly got the better of them this past week in a 19-16 victory over their division foe. Houston simply couldn’t let the dagger lie however as they clearly felt the need to twist the knife in their opposition

. Texans Poach Disgruntled Defensive Tackle From Tennessee

On Monday (only one day after the victory against Tennessee), Houston claimed defensive tackle Teair Tart off of waivers from Tennessee. Tart has been the starting nose tackle for Tennessee for the past three seasons and has been a crucial cog in making the Tennessee defense function.

Houston Texans claimed former Titans’ starting defensive tackle Teair Tart on waivers.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2023

Tart has been publicly fuming for the past few weeks regarding his contract after Tennessee refused to provide him with a multi-year deal this past offseason. Tart was routinely engaging the team in a social media war as he leveled tweets and insults against various members of the organization over the past several months. Clearly the team had reached the end of its rope and decided to release the defensive playmaker.

Tart was certainly smiling on Sunday as Tennessee couldn’t figure out a way to stop the run without their former defensive tackle. Tennessee gave up 148 yards on the ground to Houston while their best run stopping defensive lineman was working on his contract with his former team. The big man should also be thrilled that he jumped ship from a team that is formally eliminated from playoff contention to join an up-and-coming group that is pushing for a playoff spot.

The nose tackle played in 45 games for Tennessee including eleven this season while making thirty-six starts over his four year stint. Tart logged 76 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks in that span as he was a critical piece in the run defense that has been the best part of the Tennessee team that has made the playoffs for the past few years.

It’s never a good thing to see a happy partnership collapse due to the salary cap but it is an inevitable part of the game today. After already signing a huge contract for All Pro 3-technique defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee simply couldn’t afford to give Tart what he wanted. Tennessee will be in the market for his replacement in the offseason and in the 2024 NFL Draft.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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