Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Monday that safety and starting nickelback Jalen Pitre was still in concussion protocol. In light of that, the Texans added Ameer Speed in a move that could signal others are in the works.
The Texans’ secondary is one of their biggest strengths. Their ability to maintain their level of performance despite myriad changes speaks to just that.
Where Speed fits into the equation remains uncertain for now.
Texans Sign 6-foot-3 CB Ameer Speed to Practice Squad Roster Before Colts Game
GettyAmeer Speed #37 of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates a win against the New England Patriots.
“The Houston Texans have signed the following player to the practice squad,” the team announced via its official site on November 24, naming Speed.
Houston is Speed’s fifth team since he entered the league. The New England Patriots selected him with the No. 214 overall pick in the 2023 draft. He has officially played for the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts, the Texans’ Week 13 opponent.
He has also spent time with the Cleveland Browns.
Speed appeared in 13 games as a rookie in 2023. He played in eight games for the Patriots and five for the Colts.
“Speed worked out for the Texans on Monday along with defensive back LaMareon James, running back Montrell Johnson and tight ends Tanner McClachlan and Gee Scott,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson wrote on November 24.
Speed, largely a special teamer in his career, has 9 total tackles in two-plus seasons.
The Texans are top-heavy at cornerback, with Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter leading the way, especially in light of rookie third-round pick Jaylin Smith landing on injured reserve.
The Texans have re-worked their cornerback group multiple times in November, signing Ajani Carter and Myles Bryant to the active roster and replacing them on the practice squad with Alijah Huzzie, Damon Arnette, and Speed.
Ameer Speed a ‘Rare’ Athlete
GettyBears cornerback Ameer Speed has been elevated for Week 6’s game against the Jaguars.
Speed’s pre-draft evaluations reveal the kind of player the Texans are getting. He is physically talented. However, entering the league, Speed still had yet to match his physical skill with the more technical aspects of playing the cornerback position.
Speed was a national champion as a reserve on the Georgia Bulldogs in 2021. He transferred to Michigan and spent his final collegiate season with the Spartans in 2022.
“An All-Conference cornerback at Sandalwood High in Duval County and led his team to an undefeated regular season and the 2016 district title. A three-star recruit, he committed to Georgia over Michigan State and three other finalists. However, he struggled to find his footing on the cornerback depth chart and logged more snaps on special teams (518) than defense (336) over his five years in Athens,” The Athletics Dane Brugler wrote after Speed’s selection.
“Speed transferred to East Lansing for his final season in 2022 and had a mixed season in his debut as a full-time starter. Speed lives up to his name with the wheels to turn and run with anyone downfield. He has impressive size and length but needs to put his long arms to better use in press and downfield. His route recognition and ball skills are both areas of concern.”
Brugler’s assessment of Speed was not unique.
“Speed’s tape and production don’t stand out,” NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein wrote in 2023. “However, his rare size and speed, along with his potential to star on special teams, could give him a chance to find an NFL home.”
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