“Texans Make Bold Move: E.J. Speed Joins the Roster—What This Means for Houston’s Defense!”

In an intriguing offseason move, the Houston Texans are shaking things up by signing free agent linebacker E.J. Speed to a one-year deal. After being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 as a fifth-round pick, Speed has made a significant impact during his time in Indy. Initially focused on special teams, this promising linebacker transitioned into a defensive starter just two seasons ago. Last year, he made his mark by starting in all but one game he was able to play, demonstrating his durability with an impressive 98 percent involvement in defensive snaps. His rise played a pivotal role in altering the dynamics of the Colts’ linebacker corps, particularly affecting the fate of former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard. Now, as he embarks on a new chapter with the Texans, the anticipation builds around what Speed will bring to Houston. Curious to learn more about this development? LEARN MORE.

Speed is No. 86 on our list of the NFL’s Top 100 free agents.The Texans and Speed have agreed to a one-year contract.Free agent linebacker E.J. Speed is heading to Houston.The emergence of Speed as a defensive starter was a big part of the reason that former Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard quickly went from All-Pro to backup to released in 2023.Speed was a 2019 fifth-round pick of the Colts and has played his entire NFL career in Indianapolis. For most of his career he played more on special teams than on defense, but two years ago he became a defensive starter, and last year he started all 15 games he was healthy enough to play and was on the field for 98 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps in those games.