The Houston Texans entered Saturday with the need for linebacker help because not one starter played the entire season in 2024, and their depth is weak. Azeez Al-Shaair missed six games with a knee injury and a suspension, Christian Harris missed the first 14 with a calf injury, and Henry To’oTo’o missed two with a concussion. Also, their linebacker depth outside of their three starters weakened after Devin White signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, Del’Shawn Phillips signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, and Neville Hewitt remains unsigned.
Houston Texans add tackling machine from bitter rival
Wentz Back At Colts Camp
According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, the Texans signed former Indianapolis Colts tackling machine E.J. Speed to a contract. As Schultz points out, the deal is for one year and is worth $5 million. Speed is a solid depth piece for the Texans’ defense and could end up starting alongside Azeez Al-Shaair.
Breaking: The #Texans are signing former #Colts LB E.J. Speed to a 1-year $5M deal, sources tell @NFLonFOX.
Speed spent six seasons in Indy and is coming off a career-best year with 142 tackles in 15 games, including 7 TFLs and 5 PBUs. pic.twitter.com/XVsSj9hUTj
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 29, 2025
The newcomer had his best statistical season, but…
E.J. Speed had his best statistical season in 2024, posting career highs in tackles, interceptions, and pass deflections. Speed recorded 142 tackles, eight pressures, seven TFLs, 51 stops, one interception, and five pass deflections in 15 starts. However, despite recording 142 tackles, he did not have the best year overall as far as advanced stats are concerned.
Speed struggled with tackling, had 26 missed tackles, and was a liability in pass coverage, allowing 649 passing yards and a 103.6 passer rating. PFF did not grade him favorably in 2024, giving him a 46.3 coverage grade, a 49.7 pass rush grade, a 48.2 tackling grade, and a 56.7 overall PFF grade. He ranked 48th in coverage, 51st in pass rush, 49th in tackling, and 44th in overall PFF grade among 53 qualified linebackers with at least 50% of snaps.
Here’s a look at the Houston Texans’ LB room
- Azeez Al-Shaair
- E.J. Speed
- Christian Harris
- Henry To’oTo’o
- Nick Niemann
- Jake Hansen
- Jamal Hill
