The Houston Texans have OTAs kicking off this week, giving everyone on the team the chance to start building for the 2025 campaign.
The Texans made some big changes on the team this offseason. While they are looking to prepare for the new season, former players are looking to latch on where they can.
On Tuesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported the Detroit Lions are signing Zach Cunningham.
Former Texans LB Zach Cunningham Signs With Detroit Lions
Cunningham was a second-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft by Houston. He spent the first five years of his career in H-Town, logging 570 total tackles, 26 TFLs, 12 QB hits, 18 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles. In addition, he had three seasons with 100-plus tackles.
His best days came as a member of the Texans. Cunningham was a player who found the ball at the second level. Since getting waived by Houston in 2021, he landed with the Tennessee Titans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos.
He will now get a chance to stick with one of the best teams in the league. He will have to compete against Alex Anzalone, Malcolm Rodriguez, Jack Campbell, Grant Stuard, Trevor Nowaske, Derrick Barnes, Ezekiel Turner, Anthony Pittman, Abraham Beauplan, and DaRon Gilbert to make the roster.
OTAs will give these players the first opportunity to impress the roster, and Cunningham gets that chance. The next couple of months will be huge for the Vanderbilt product.
Even though he may not be a starter anymore at this stage of his career, he could certainly be a quality depth option for the Lions in the Motor City.
OTAs will run into the first week of June before mandatory minicamps start. These sessions can go a long way and give the 30-year-old a head start before training camp begins in late July.