Texans Secure Promising DB Jaylen Reed with Rookie Deal—Is He the Missing Piece to Their Defense?

Jaylen Reed’s arrival in Houston has officially been inked, and man, it’s got the Texans’ secondary buzzing with anticipation. Snagged in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Penn State product just put pen to paper on a four-year deal that’ll keep him suited up in Houston through 2028 — a $4.95 million pact, signing bonus and all. Reed’s college resume speaks volumes too: a two-year starter with a knack for clutch interceptions and solid tackling numbers who propelled Penn State deep into the College Football Playoff semifinals. At 6-foot, 211 pounds with a lightning 4.49-second 40-yard dash, the kid’s got the tools to make waves. Rookie minicamp is already in motion, and all eyes are on Reed to see how quickly he can translate that college success into Houston’s defense. LEARN MORE

Jaylen Reed is officially a Houston Texans defensive back.The Texans are currently under way at rookie minicamp.Over three seasons, Reed finished with 181 tackles, 12.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, five interceptions, a defensive touchdown, 12 passes defended and seven pass breakups. The 6-foot, 211-pound second-team All-Big Ten Conference also ran a 4.49 40-time at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis back in February.According to KRPC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans and the Penn State defender have agreed to terms on a four-year deal, keeping him in Houston throughout the 2028 campaign. A sixth-round pick, Reed will receive a four-year, .95 million deal with a 3,800 signing bonus.

A two-year starter in State College, Reed intercepted three passes last season and had 98 tackles with three pass breakups and one forced fumble, helping Penn State reach the College Football Playoff semifinal. In 2023, he had 46 tackles and two interceptions.