The Houston Texans are continuing with the fortification of their roster, specifically on the back end, where they signed veteran defensive back Jalen Mills.
Originally entering the NFL as a seventh-round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2016 and, after three years there, Mills also spent time with the New England Patriots and New York Jets in his nine-year career.
He was a key piece of a Super Bowl-winning group with Philly in 2017.
“Sniper Focus!” Mills posted on X on August 10, quoting Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz’s report.
Mills spent the 2024 season with the Jets, tallying 44 total tackles, 6 pass deflections, 1 forced fumble, and 1 interception in nine games, eight of which he started.
The 31-year-old defensive back joins a deep Texans secondary with 450 total stops, 8 INTs, 59 PBUs, 3 FFs, and 1 recovery in his career. The Texans can also look to capitalize on Mills’ versatility, with experience at cornerback and safety.
Jalen Mills a Fitting Temporary Replacement for Texans Starter C.J. Gardner-Johnson
GettyC.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks with reporters during Super Bowl week.
The Texans are not just adding Mills to bolster their depth. There is some necessity after starter and offseason trade acquisition C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury.
Texans veteran Jimmie Ward was also arrested for the second time in less than two months.
“With Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffering a knee injury and safety Jimmie Ward facing legal issues, Houston is signing veteran free-agent safety Jalen Mills, per his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X on August 10.
Schefter noted an otherwise innocuous reason Mills makes for a fitting signing for the Texans, beyond just a depth piece.
It is all in his name.
“Jalen Mills to Houston figures,” Schefter said in a follow-up post. “The Texans already have safeties Jalen Pitre and Jaylen Reed, not to mention CB Jaylin Smith, WR Jaylin Noel and OL Jaylon Thomas.”
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans called Gardner-Johnson’s injury “heartbreaking,” but the veteran avoided the worst and could return by Week 1.
Texans Get Wake-Up Call About Talented Unit
GettyHouston Texans head Coach DeMeco Ryans looks on against the Minnesota Vikings/
The need for Mills is a wake-up call for the Texans. Their secondary is among the most talented and deepest position groups on the team, and they have already had to seek outside help, albeit as depth at this point.
Still, the Texans added former Las Vegas Raiders first-round pick Damon Arnette late in the offseason after veteran Ronald Darby retired unexpectedly.
The Texans also signed veteran corner Arthur Maulet.
Houston’s backend still features young talents in starting CBs Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter and safeties Pitre and Calen Bullock. Those four, and Smith, are the future for the Texans on the back end.
Still, Gardner-Johnson’s presence was invaluable thanks to his toughness, football IQ, and playmaking ability.
The sooner the Texans can get him back on the field, the better.
In the meantime, Mills, whose contract terms have yet to be disclosed but who has earned $23 million in his career, can fill whatever void the Texans need among the team’s backups. He could make his debut next week when the Texans host the Carolina Panthers.
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