Texans outside linebacker John Simon provided a reliable presence as a pass rusher and run-stopper last season.
Now, the Texans have retained Simon with a right of first refusal-original round restricted free agent tender worth $1.671 million.
The Texans have the right to match any offer sheet from another team and a five-day window to do so.
As former top overall pick Jadeveon Clowney frequently battled injuries, Simon played in every game and started half of them. He recorded a career-high 53 tackles and five sacks for the AFC South champions.
Simon is a former Baltimore Ravens fourth-round draft pick from Ohio State where he was a Big Ten Conference Defensive Player of the Year.