Breaking news: The Texans sign Colts sensational defender on a one-year, $5 million contract.
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After a stellar season with the Colts, E.J. Speed is signed by the Texans.
According to Fox Sports NFL source Jordan Schultz, former Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed is joining the Houston Texans on a one-year, $5 million contract.
The 29-year-old Speed just had a stellar 2024 season with the Colts, setting career highs in a number of defensive metrics. He had 13.5 stuffs for 16 yards, one interception for 12 yards, five passes defended, and 142 total tackles in 15 games, 93 solo and 49 assisted.
After a season with the Colts, LB E.J. Speed is signed by the Texans.
Speed was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has played for Indianapolis for the last six seasons, developing into a vital member of the defense and special teams. He recorded 354 total stops (242 solo, 112 assisted), 41 stuffs for 57 yards, six forced fumbles, two sacks, and one interception during his time with the Colts. He made 18 starts in 78 regular-season games, including a career-high 15 in 2024.
Under head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Houston defense has been actively reconfiguring its linebacker corps, and Speed’s addition gives them depth and experience. The Texans are coming off back-to-back playoff berths and their second consecutive 10-7 regular season. For the second consecutive year, they advanced to the AFC Divisional Round in 2024 before losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Additionally, on March 19, Houston signed edge rusher Danielle Hunter to a one-year, $35.6 million contract extension. Hunter, who joined the team over the summer, will now get $54.1 million in fully guaranteed compensation over the course of the following two seasons. The five-time Pro Bowler, who still plays a key role in the Texans’ defensive front, led the club in 2024 with 16.5 sacks.
With Speed joining the linebacking unit and Hunter locked in as a pass-rushing cornerstone, the Texans continue to spend substantially in a defense projected to contend at a high level in 2025.
