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Tracking Texas Longhorns in NFL Free Agency: Latest Signings and Updates

by:Josh Florey•about 16 hours
Charles Omenihu
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL’s free agency period began on March 12, and a few ex-Longhorns have already found new homes or extended their stay in old ones. However, some major names have yet to sign a deal.

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Poona Ford – Rams

In 2024, Ford had a great year with the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 39 tackles, three sacks, and even an interception. As a free agent, Ford stayed in LA, signing a three-year, (Edit: $27.6 million, not $60 million) $30 million deal with the Rams.

For the Longhorns, Ford was named All-Big 12 First Team and Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year during his senior season, putting together a very solid four-year career. He was one of the few bright spots in an era of struggling Texas teams.

Charles Omenihu – Free Agent

Omenihu is an experienced player still awaiting a contract. He has been part of two Chiefs teams that reached the Super Bowl and has also played for the Texans and 49ers. Omenihu has had several very strong seasons, with 2023-24 being his best. In 11 games, he totaled seven sacks and two forced fumbles before tearing his ACL in the AFC Championship, which limited his production this past season.

Omenihu had a great career at Texas, particularly during his senior season when he recorded 9.5 sacks and won Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and First-Team All-Big 12 honors. Like Ford, he played during the Charlie Strong and early Tom Herman years.

According to Sportrac, Omenihu should sign of an average of $12,000,000 per year. Not too bad for the skinny kid from Rowlett.

Joseph Ossai – Bengals

Ossai re-signed with the Bengals on a one-year, $7 million deal after putting up solid numbers over his three-year career in Cincinnati. Last season was particularly good for Ossai, as he appeared in all 17 games, started three, and tallied 46 total tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.

For Texas, Ossai was an impactful player. He played three seasons for the Longhorns before declaring for the draft, but his junior year was shortened due to COVID-19. That season, Ossai earned All-Big 12 First-Team honors and was named an AP First-Team All-American.

Kris Boyd – Jets

Kris Boyd agreed to a deal with the New York Jets, though the contract details remain undisclosed. Boyd played for the Houston Texans last season and went viral for an on-field argument in which he shoved his coach on the sidelines during a playoff game. Boyd has primarily been a special teams player in the NFL, appearing in 79 games over six seasons and recording 105 total tackles.

At Texas, Boyd also contributed on special teams but played a much larger role on defense. He was a starting cornerback from his sophomore to senior year and earned both First-Team and Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.

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Many other ex-Longhorns are still making an impact in the NFL, and with the scouting and development of the current coaching staff, that number is sure to grow even further.

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