Houston Texans Re-Sign Linebacker E.J. Speed to Two-Year Contract

The Houston Texans have re-signed linebacker E.J. Speed to a two-year contract valued at up to $13 million, with $7.5 million guaranteed. This agreement comes as Speed was set to enter free agency after completing a one-year, $5 million deal with the Texans. The new contract includes a $4 million signing bonus, a base salary of $1.75 million for the first year (fully guaranteed), and additional incentives that could raise his total first-year payout to $7.5 million. In the second year, Speed will earn a base salary of $3.75 million, with $1.75 million guaranteed and similar incentives as the first year.

Sources: Texans re-signing linebacker E.J. Speed to two-year, $13 million max value deal

During the 2025 season, Speed played in 16 games, starting nine, and recorded 62 tackles, three tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and one pass defended. He was on the field for 44 percent of the defensive snaps and 52 percent of special teams snaps, showcasing his versatility and importance to the Texans' defensive unit.

Report: Texans re-sign key LB and ST Ace on 2-Year, $13 max deal

E.J. Speed, a Fort Worth native, was drafted in the fifth round by the Indianapolis Colts in 2019. He spent his first six NFL seasons with the Colts, where he established himself as a reliable linebacker, recording over 100 tackles in consecutive seasons. Speed's transition to the Texans was influenced by head coach DeMeco Ryans, who previously coached him during his time in San Francisco. Speed expressed appreciation for Ryans' coaching style, noting the positive impact it had on his development as a player.

Sources: Texans re-signing linebacker E.J. Speed to two-year, $13 million max value deal

Speed's re-signing has been met with positive reactions from fans and analysts alike. Texans analyst Houston Stressans remarked on social media, "Heck yeah 2 year deal for E.J. Speed. Started plenty of games last year, at worst great rotational depth at LB & special teams ace." This sentiment reflects the team's confidence in Speed's ability to contribute significantly to the defense moving forward.

Report: Texans re-sign key LB and ST Ace on 2-Year, $13 max deal

While the re-signing has generally been well-received, some analysts suggest that the Texans may still need to bolster their linebacker depth, especially with other players like Christian Harris potentially leaving the team. The focus on retaining Speed, however, indicates the Texans' commitment to maintaining a strong defensive core under Ryans' leadership.

Report: Texans re-sign key LB and ST Ace on 2-Year, $13 max deal

As the Texans prepare for the upcoming NFL draft and free agency period, Speed's contract extension alleviates some pressure to find additional linebacker depth. The Texans are expected to continue evaluating their roster, particularly with other key players like Azeez Al-Shaair also in contract discussions. The draft is set to begin on April 23, 2026, and the Texans will likely be looking to strengthen their linebacker position further.

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“It’s crazy just seeing how far Tarleton has came since I left and since I was there,” — E.J. Speed, Linebacker, Houston Texans

Sources: Texans re-signing linebacker E.J. Speed to two-year, $13 million max value deal

“He always had a great linebacking corps.” — E.J. Speed, Linebacker, Houston Texans

Sources: Texans re-signing linebacker E.J. Speed to two-year, $13 million max value deal

“And just being a guy with character. Never let your character take you out of a room that your talent is putting you in. So. Just always just try to balance it. We was big on character at Tarleton State. Now that I’m here, just everywhere, I just like to show off my character and my athleticism.” — E.J. Speed, Linebacker, Houston Texans

Sources: Texans re-signing linebacker E.J. Speed to two-year, $13 million max value deal