Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Loses $9M in Guaranteed Salary After Hit on Trevor Lawrence Leads to Suspension

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is facing significant financial fallout following his controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The NFL handed Al-Shaair a three-game suspension, and the punishment comes with a heavy price — voiding his $9 million guaranteed salary for 2025.

The hit, which occurred during the Texans’ Week 17 clash against the Jaguars, was deemed egregious enough by the league to warrant not just the suspension but also the financial penalty. Al-Shaair’s contract contained a clause stipulating that any suspension of three or more games for conduct deemed detrimental to the league would result in the voiding of future guarantees.

Major Blow to Al-Shaair and Texans’ Defense

Losing the guaranteed money is a tough pill to swallow for the 26-year-old linebacker, who has been a critical part of the Texans’ defensive resurgence this season. Al-Shaair, who signed a lucrative deal with Houston in the offseason, now faces uncertainty regarding his financial and roster status for next year.

The suspension sidelines him for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the start of the playoffs — a crucial period for the Texans as they push for a deep postseason run.

Texans’ Path Forward

Houston will now have to rely heavily on their linebacker depth to fill the void left by Al-Shaair. His absence places added pressure on the defense, which has already dealt with injuries to key players late in the season.

As for Al-Shaair, appealing the suspension may be his only avenue to restore the guaranteed money. However, such appeals are rarely successful, and the Texans linebacker may need to look ahead to 2025 with financial uncertainty looming over his future.

This development not only impacts the Texans’ playoff hopes but also serves as a stark reminder of the financial consequences players face for on-field infractions.