Tank Dell’s revised contract with the Houston Texans includes performance and availability incentives that could raise his total earnings to $3.645 million, according to details reported Sept. 11. The agreement was reached last week, ahead of Houston’s Week 1 game against the Buffalo Bills.
The deal adds $1.5 million to Dell’s existing $1.704 million, which includes a $1.145 million salary and a $500,000 signing bonus. He can receive $300,000 for reaching a 30% offensive snap share, with another $300,000 available for each additional 5% increase through 50%.
Dell also can collect $38,461 for every game in which he is active. He is currently on injured reserve with a designation allowing him to return, meaning he will miss at least the first four games while continuing rehabilitation from a 2024 knee injury that included a dislocation and multiple ligament tears.
The earliest possible return would come in Houston’s home game against the Dallas Cowboys, although the timing is not certain. Dell still needs to progress into 11-on-11 work during practice, and the Texans will have 21 days to decide whether to activate him after opening his practice window.
If no activation occurs during that period, he would return to injured reserve and miss the rest of the 2026 season.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio said Sept. 1 that Dell was nearing a return but still had additional work ahead. Caserio also said the team wanted Dell to regain enough confidence to perform at his previous level. Dell later attended the Texans’ 2026 season premiere event and was described by Brian “Big Sarge” Barfield as being in good spirits and eager to play again.
