Tank Dell’s revised contract with the Houston Texans could provide up to $3.645 million, according to details reported Sept. 11. The agreement was completed last week before Houston’s Week 1 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.
Dell’s existing $1.704 million includes a $1.145 million salary and a $500,000 signing bonus. The revised deal provides another $1.5 million. He can earn $300,000 by playing at least 30% of the Texans’ offensive snaps, plus $300,000 for each additional 5% up to 50%. He also can receive $38,461 for every game in which he is active.
Dell is on injured reserve with a designation that permits a return, and he will miss at least Houston’s first four games while recovering from a 2024 knee injury involving a dislocation and multiple ligament tears. The Dallas Cowboys game at Houston is the earliest possible return, but the timing is uncertain. Dell must first advance to 11-on-11 practice work.
Once his practice window opens, Houston has 21 days to activate him. Otherwise, he would remain on injured reserve for the rest of the 2026 season.
General manager Nick Caserio said Sept. 1 that Dell was nearing a return but still needed more work and confidence. Dell attended the Texans’ 2026 season premiere and was described by Brian “Big Sarge” Barfield as being in good spirits and eager to play. Dell was a 2023 third-round pick.
