Deal Details: Speed signs a one-year contract reportedly worth up to $5 million.
Productive 2024: He recorded 142 tackles (12th in NFL), 93 solo tackles (T-3rd), 7 tackles for loss, and 5 pass deflections for the Colts last season.
Career Path: A 2019 fifth-round pick from Tarleton State, Speed initially excelled on special teams before earning a starting role in 2023, notably stepping in for former All-Pro Shaquille Leonard.
Physical Tools: Standing at 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, Speed possesses good length, speed, and quickness, allowing him to cover ground effectively.
Why this matters: The Texans add an experienced starting linebacker with sideline-to-sideline speed, enhancing their defensive depth and potentially creating competition. However, Speed will need to address his high missed tackle rate from 2024.
E.J. Speed's journey from a fifth-round pick and special teams contributor to a full-time starting linebacker highlights his development within the NFL. Initially carving out a role on special teams for the Indianapolis Colts, Speed seized his opportunity on defense, eventually solidifying a starting position. His emergence was significant enough that it played a part in the Colts moving on from veteran Shaquille Leonard in 2023.
In 2024, Speed was highly productive, playing nearly every defensive snap when healthy and ranking among the league leaders in total and solo tackles. His athleticism and length make him effective in coverage schemes, a valuable trait in today's pass-heavy NFL.
However, his aggressive play style also led to a high number of missed tackles last season, an area he will need to improve upon with the Texans. His addition provides Houston with a proven player who understands the AFC South and adds valuable experience and athleticism to their linebacker group. He was ranked No. 86 on NBC Sports' list of top 100 free agents this offseason.
Q: What are the terms of E.J. Speed's contract with the Texans?
A: E.J. Speed signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans reportedly worth up to $5 million.
Q: Where did E.J. Speed play before joining the Texans?
A: Speed spent his entire NFL career prior to this signing with the Indianapolis Colts, who drafted him in 2019.
Q: What was Speed's role with the Colts?
A: He began as a core special teams player and developed into a starting linebacker, playing nearly every defensive snap in the games he was healthy for during the 2024 season.
Impact on Texans: Speed adds proven starting experience and athleticism to the Texans' linebacker unit, increasing depth and competition.
Divisional Change: Moving from the Colts to the Texans keeps Speed within the AFC South, meaning he'll face his former team twice a year.
Area for Improvement: While highly productive, Speed's tackling consistency will be watched closely as he integrates into the Texans' defense.
Do you think E.J. Speed will be a key starter for the Texans' defense this season? Let us know your thoughts!
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