The Texans signed Tommy Togiai to a one-year extension worth up to 5 million, keeping him on the roster through 2026. This shows Houston valuing the 25-year-old’s upside after a productive 2024 stint, despite a season-opening healthy scratch against the Rams. Togiai sits behind interior anchors Mario Edwards Jr. and Sheldon Rankins, but the deal signals a clear vote of confidence in his future role.

With a Browns start to his career and stints on the Jaguars and Falcons practice squads, Togiai found a home in Houston in 2024, appearing in two regular-season games and two postseason appearances. His bench-pressing credentials—225 pounds 40 times and a 700-pound squat at the 2021 Combine—underscore a power profile suited to rotational run defense and short-area disruption. The extension raises his value as a depth piece who could push for snaps if opportunities arise.

Houston’s season-opener loss to the Rams and the Buccaneers’ visit to Houston for a primetime showdown set the stage for Togiai to potentially break into regular-season action in 2025. Fantasy managers should monitor snaps and rotation, as Togiai could deliver intermittent value in DT depth and tackle opportunities if he carves out a clearer role behind the starters.

Tommy Togiai earned a spot on the Texans’ 53-man roster after a year full of cuts and practice squads, then turned that setback into momentum with solid camp play and a growing all-around game. His run defense and improved pass rush helped Houston decide he was too valuable to part with, earning a two-year deal and a regular depth role. The arc from waiver wire to roster staple underscores how tape, mindset, and opportunity can reshape a career.

Houston’s faith in Togiai came with praise from DeMeco Ryans, who called him the team’s hardest worker and “Mr. Consistent.” Caserio echoed the theme, stressing routine and growth. Togiai now aims to translate steady production into real impact, contributing as a reliable interior defender and proving he belongs in the Texans’ defensive plan this season.

Ronald Darby, the former Denver Broncos cornerback, has announced his retirement, a decision that caught many by surprise. The 31-year-old, who had recently signed a one-year contract with the Houston Texans for $2.5 million, was placed on the reserve/retired list after deciding to step away from the game before training camp even began.

Originally drafted in the second round by the Buffalo Bills in 2015, Darby has had a tumultuous career across seven NFL teams, including a notable period with the Broncos from 2021 to 2022. He had signed a lucrative three-year contract worth $30 million with Denver in 2021, where he managed to start 11 games before injuries curtailed his contributions.

Veteran cornerback Ronald Darby announced his retirement from the NFL after ten seasons, a decision that Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans empathizes with deeply. Ryans, who also had a decade-long playing career, reflected on the emotional toll of stepping away from a sport that consumes so much of a player's life. Darby, drafted in 2015 by the Buffalo Bills, played for multiple teams and was known for his role as a No. 2 cornerback throughout his career. Ryans extended his best wishes to Darby for his next chapter, recognizing how challenging it can be to leave a beloved sport behind.

As a second-round pick from Florida State, Darby’s journey included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and finally the Texans. His versatility and experience made him a reliable asset on the field. Despite not being a superstar, his contributions and leadership were crucial to his teams. The retirement highlights the often unspoken realities athletes face as they transition out of their playing days, emphasizing the emotional and physical toll of professional sports.