Texans Sign E.J. Speed to Strengthen Linebacking Corps

HOUSTON, Texas – The Houston Texans have announced the signing of veteran linebacker E.J. Speed, formerly of the Indianapolis Colts, on a one-year contract worth $5 million. The deal, which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus and a fully guaranteed base salary of $1.5 million, was confirmed by a league source.

The contract also features performance incentives, allowing Speed to earn up to an additional $500,000 if he reaches 88 percent and another $500,000 for 90 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Furthermore, he can earn up to $250,000 in per-game active roster bonuses.

Speed, 29, experienced a career year with the Colts last season, registering a career-high 142 tackles while starting 15 games. His impressive performance also included seven tackles for loss and one interception. During the season, he was on the field for 98 percent of the Colts’ defensive snaps.

The addition of Speed will likely position him as a starting linebacker alongside team captain Azeez Al-Shaair. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and weighing 227 pounds, Speed is known for his range and athleticism.

Before joining the Colts as a fifth-round draft pick, Speed played at Tarleton State University, where he transitioned from quarterback and wide receiver to linebacker. During his college career, he earned two All-Lone Star Conference selections, compiling 231 tackles, 36 of which were for losses, along with 11.5 sacks and eight forced fumbles.

Speed’s professional career stats include 354 tackles, two sacks, 27 tackles for loss, and four quarterback hits. Last season, opposing quarterbacks completed 49 of 62 attempts against him for 454 yards and one touchdown.

In addition to his defensive capabilities, Speed has valuable experience on special teams. His athletic profile includes a 40-yard dash time of 4.60 seconds, a vertical leap of 34 inches, a broad jump of 10 feet, and 24 bench press repetitions.

Aaron Wilson, who has covered the NFL since 1997, reported the signing for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com. This marks Wilson’s 10th year covering the Texans after a successful tenure with previous teams, including The Houston Chronicle and The Baltimore Sun.