The Houston Texans did some future planning ahead of their Week 17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers, specifically regarding cornerback Alijah Huzzie.
Huzzie is a rookie undrafted free agent. He has played in just one game this season, but Huzzie has already shown enough behind the scenes to warrant action from the Texans’ front office, helmed by general manager Nick Caserio.
He could be in line for a much more significant role in the future.
Alijah Huzzie Got Multi-Year Contract From Texans
GettyAlijah Huzzie of North Carolina speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine.
Huzzie was among the more highly-touted UDFAs after this past draft, landing 17th at his position on NFL.com analyst Chad Reuter’s list in April. After two standard elevations, the Texans have foregone a third on Huzzie.
They also signed the versatile defensive back to a two-year, $1.9 million contract, replacing his practice squad deal.
“When #Texans promoted @UNCFootball corner Alijah Huzzie to 53-man roster on Christmas, they signed him through the 2026 season with a $1.005 million base salary, and a $40,000 signing bonus, $10,000 workout bonus for off-season,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on December 30.
Huzzie initially signed a three-year, $2.9 million pact with the Texans after the draft.
His latest agreement recoups some of the lost money and provides him with some stability for the future, when teams often hand out a slew of futures deals.
Huzzie has generated a buzz when on the field, garnering attention before the draft, including during invitationals alongside and against some of the best prospects in his draft class. Health kept him from making an impact sooner.
Huzzie saw his first NFL action in the Texans’ Week 16 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Texans filled the void left on the practice squad from signing Huzzie to their 53-man roster by re-signing fellow corner Ameer Speed.
Texans GM Follows Trend With Alijah Huzzie
GettyAlijah Huzzie #28 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts against the Charlotte 49ers.
Huzzie’s deal garnered renewed attention for Caserio, who has proven to be shrewd but aggressive with his roster building, garnering a haul in the Deshaun Watson trade, but also being proactive in rewarding the Texans’ top players.
Huzzie is not that at this stage of his career. Still, Huzzie’s re-worked deal is the latest in a line for the Texans.
He joins backup quarterback Graham Mertz and linebacker/special teamer Jake Hansen.
“Nick Caserio has shown a history of rewarding players late in the season who work their way up from the practice squad to the active roster,” Over The Cap’s Troy Chapman posted on X on December 30. “Alijah Huzzie’s bonus with the promotion is another example.
“Originally signed as an UDFA, spent time on Reserve/NFI. Re-signed to the practice squad working and then was signed/promoted to the 53 man last week.”
Huzzie is a part of one of the Texans’ deepest position groups.
However, the Texans’ secondary has also undergone significant reshuffling at corner and safety after injuries to various players. In addition to Huzzie, the Texans have Ja’Marcus Ingram, Myles Bryant, and Tremon Smith behind starters Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter.
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