Contract Details:: Speed signs a 1-year, $5 million contract with the Texans. This includes a $1.75 million signing bonus and $1.5 million fully guaranteed base salary, plus performance incentives.
Productive Tackler:: Speed is coming off a career-best season with the Colts, recording 142 combined tackles (12th most in the NFL in 2024), 7 tackles for loss (TFLs), 5 pass breakups, and 1 interception while starting 15 games.
Intra-Division Move:: Speed joins linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (formerly Titans) in moving from an AFC South competitor to the Texans this offseason.
Expected Role:: At 6-foot-4 and 227 pounds, Speed provides size, experience (92 career games, 32 starts), and special teams value. He is a candidate to start alongside Al-Shaair, competing with Christian Harris and Henry To'oTo'o.
Why this matters:: The Texans acquire a proven, productive starting linebacker at a relatively low cost, adding valuable depth and experience to their defense while potentially weakening a division rival.
E.J. Speed, a 2019 fifth-round pick by the Colts out of Tarleton State, carved out a significant role in Indianapolis, especially over the past two seasons. Initially contributing heavily on special teams, he stepped up defensively, particularly as injuries impacted Shaquille Leonard. Speed became a full-time starter, tallying over 100 tackles in both 2023 (102 tackles, 12 TFLs) and 2024 (142 tackles, 7 TFLs).
His departure from Indianapolis comes after the Colts extended fellow linebacker Zaire Franklin and made significant investments in their secondary. Speed's relatively modest contract, despite his high tackle numbers, might reflect his age (turning 30 in June) or coverage metrics (PFF ranked him 67th among LBs in 2024).
For Houston, Speed represents a valuable addition. He provides experienced depth behind Al-Shaair and competes for a starting role within a linebacker group that includes former draft picks Christian Harris and Henry To’oTo’o. Speed played nearly 98% of the Colts' defensive snaps last season, demonstrating his durability and capability to handle a large workload. His familiarity with the AFC South adds another layer of strategic value.
** What are the financial terms of E.J. Speed's contract with the Texans?
A:: It's a one-year deal worth $5 million, featuring $1.75 million signing bonus, $1.5 million guaranteed salary, and up to $1.75 million in incentives and bonuses.
** Why did E.J. Speed leave the Indianapolis Colts?
A:: The Colts opted not to re-sign Speed after extending linebacker Zaire Franklin and potentially making a strategic decision regarding defensive spending priorities.
** What role will Speed likely play for the Houston Texans?
A:: He is expected to compete for a starting linebacker position alongside Azeez Al-Shaair, provide experienced depth, and contribute significantly on special teams.
The Texans' defense gets a boost with a reliable, high-volume tackler who has recent starting experience.
Speed provides competition and high-quality depth at the linebacker position for Houston at a team-friendly price.
This signing underscores the Texans' aggressive approach to improving their roster and defending their AFC South title.
How much impact will E.J. Speed have on the Texans' defense this season? Let us know your thoughts!
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