Texans Sign Tremon Smith to Two-Year Deal, Boosting Special Teams

HOUSTON, Texas — The Houston Texans have strengthened their roster by signing former defensive back Tremon Smith to a two-year contract, which has the potential to be worth up to $7.5 million. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero first reported the news, highlighting Smith’s new status as the highest-paid core special teamer in the league.

Smith, 28, joins the Texans after a season with the Denver Broncos, where he played in all 17 games and recorded four tackles. Notably, he participated in 84% of Denver’s special teams snaps, showcasing his dedication and skill in that area.

This marks Smith’s return to Houston, where he previously spent two seasons from 2021 to 2022. He was originally drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft after a collegiate career at Central Arkansas.

While Smith has not been a prominent player on defense, he made his most significant impact during his stint in Houston in 2022, accumulating 22 tackles, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and four passes defended. His true strengths lie in special teams, where he has shown considerable prowess.

The Texans entered the NFL free agency period with limited salary cap space, exacerbated by their recent trade for wide receiver Christian Kirk. Consequently, the team has opted to focus on filling gaps rather than pursuing high-profile free agents.

As Smith rejoins the Texans, the team is expected to continue making strategic moves to bolster their lineup. The upcoming weeks will reveal how Houston plans to navigate the rest of the free agency market.