The NFL's franchise tag deadline passed on Tuesday, providing Houston Texans fans with further reason for excitement as free agency approaches.
Houston declined to utilize the franchise tag, which will allow a pair of defensive starters—defensive end Jonathan Greenard and linebacker Blake Cashman—to test the waters in free agency. The Texans did agree to a three-year deal with tight end Dalton Schultz earlier in the day, bringing back one of star quarterback C.J. Stroud's top weapons for the foreseeable future. But with free agency set to begin next week, it's the franchise tag decisions—or lack thereof— from other teams that spurs the most intrigue for the reigning AFC South champions.