Shane Lechler staying with Texans on 1-year deal, per report

Punter Shane Lechler will turn 40 in August, and he’ll do it as a member of the Houston Texans, according to Rand Getlin of NFL Network. The seven-time Pro Bowler and nine-time All-Pro player will keep things going for at least another year as it’s a one-year deal, per the report.

Despite his age, Lechler is still an important weapon in the field-position game. He delivered 95 punts this past season, second-most in the NFL, and his gross average of 47.3 yards per punt ranked fifth-highest. Lechler’s incredible durability might be his most important asset. He’s played in 222 consecutive regular-season games, the longest active streak among all players. Lechler hasn’t missed a game since the 2002 season.

Although Lechler’s 2015 season didn’t match the standard he’s established in past years, it’s not hard to see why the Texans are keeping him around for 2016. The seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro first-teamer has proven to be a valuable veteran presence in the Texans and Raiders locker rooms and has remained a top-tier punter into his late 30s.

The Texans were second in the league in total punting yards last season, which has a lot to do with Lechler’s skill and a lot to do with the fact that they were not a good offensive team. Houston ranked 19th in the league in total offense, but Lechler did his part to limit the damage as best as he could. The Texans ended up ranking 18th in the league in net punt yardage with 40.8.