Tank Dell’s revised contract with the Houston Texans could pay him as much as $3.645 million, with a possible return against the Dallas Cowboys serving as the earliest point he could play. The timing remains uncertain as Dell continues rehabilitation from a 2024 knee injury involving a dislocation and multiple ligament tears.
The agreement adds $1.5 million to his existing $1.704 million deal. That current amount consists of a $1.145 million salary and a $500,000 signing bonus. Dell can earn $300,000 by playing at least 30% of Houston’s offensive snaps, plus another $300,000 for each additional 5% through 50%. He also can receive $38,461 each time he is active for a game.
Dell is on injured reserve with permission to return and will miss at least Houston’s first four games. He must advance to 11-on-11 practice work before the Texans open his 21-day activation window. Without activation in that period, he would remain on injured reserve for the rest of the 2026 season.
General manager Nick Caserio said Sept. 1 that Dell was approaching a return but had more work to do and needed to rebuild confidence. Dell attended the Texans’ 2026 season premiere event, where Brian “Big Sarge” Barfield described him as being in good spirits and eager to play. Dell was a 2023 third-round pick.
The team has also had injuries to Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
