The Houston Texans have taken the perfect approach to the 2025 offseason. After a disappointing season in which they failed to build on the success of C.J. Stroud's rookie campaign, they've quickly looked to upgrade the roster rather than coming up with excuses and hoping things improve on their own. But that also doesn't mean there should be change for the sake of change.
Bringing in some valuable continuity, the Texans re-signed veteran cornerback and special-teamer Myles Bryant on Wednesday — just over a week before the beginning of OTAs. This move isn't a headline-grabber, but it has some serious implications on how the final 53-man roster could shake out, and is bad news for another a couple of Houston's rookies.
Texans Re-Sign Cornerback Myles Bryant on the Verge of OTAs
Details of the contract have not been released, but KPRC2's Aaron Wilson is a very reliable Texans source, and his report that the Texans have re-signed Myles Bryant can be trusted. Details of the contract have not been released, but it's safe to assume this would be a low-cost, one-year type signing.
Bryant hit free agency in March after playing 11 regular season and two playoff games in his first year with the Texans in 2024 after spending his first four NFL seasons with the New England Patriots.
Bryant’ contributions came primarily on special teams, being on the field for 40% of the special teams snaps when active, but he did see significant plying time in the postseason, including making a start against the Chiefs. So this move has the potential to shake things up on both special teams and defense.
Myles Bryant Shakes Up the Texans' Depth Chart in Two Spots (And Could Cost a Rookie His Job)
Bryant profiles as the kind of valuable depth piece that teams love. He has plenty of experience as a starting cornerback, so when he's asked to step into a bigger role he can rise to the occasion. But when the starters are healthy, he's not just taking up a spot on the bench, still impacting on the game on special teams.
Tuesday's Signing
Unfortunately, versatility and special teams impact were the big reasons that undrafted free agent Keydrain Calligan was such an intriguing signing on Tuesday. But it's too early to completely write Calligan off based on this move.
The Texans have lost so many special teams contributors this offseason (even after re-signing Bryant, there are still five departed Texans defenders who played at least 25% of the special teams snaps last year) that Bryant doesn't even come close to filling the void on his own.
Calligan could, of course, still be stashed on the practice squad too. Going unsigned through May is a good indicator that other teams won't be all that eager to scoop him up.
Issues for a 3rd-Round Pick
This could also be a bad sign for how the team views rookie third-round pick Jaylin Smith in his first pro season. Already behind Jalen Pitre on the depth chart as the slot corner, Smith could now also be fighting with Bryant for second-team reps. It's especially noteworthy that this signing came after the team got its first chance to look at Smith in rookie minicamp.
But for a team that is hoping to finally get over the hump and make it to the AFC Championship, there's no room for patience with rookies. Smith might have the long-term potential to be a contributor in the Texans' defense, but decisions need to be made that will prioritize winning this season. And signing Bryant fits the bill.