The Houston Texans have secured veteran safety M.J. Stewart with a new one-year contract, announced on March 6, 2026. Stewart’s return brings back an experienced defender who has spent the last four seasons with Houston, aiming to strengthen the Texans’ secondary ahead of the upcoming NFL campaign.
Stewart, an eight-year NFL veteran, is set to make a comeback after a 2025 season cut short by a torn quadriceps injury. Last year, he appeared in nine games, totaling 25 tackles and two pass deflections while starting in four contests. He became a regular starter starting from Week 8 against the San Francisco 49ers before his injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
Significance of Stewart’s Role in the Texans’ Defense
Throughout his time with the Texans, Stewart has been a dependable depth player in the secondary and a key contributor on special teams. His re-signing adds veteran leadership and competition for starting roles in Houston’s defensive backfield, which is vital to maintaining the team’s defensive strength.
Current Composition of the Texans’ Safety Unit
With Stewart back, the Texans’ safety group largely mirrors the lineup from last season. Calen Bullock, who earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 2025, returns for his third year as a starter. Jaylen Reed, expected to be fully healthy, will enter his second season, offering youthful promise. Additionally, Jalen Pitre, known for his versatility and ability to play multiple roles in the back end, has restructured his contract, signaling his continued commitment to the team.
The roster does face one key change with the release of veteran Jimmie Ward, who missed the entire 2025 season due to a foot injury. This move freed up nearly one million dollars in salary cap space, allowing the Texans some financial flexibility.
Outlook for the Texans’ Secondary and Future Moves
The Texans’ secondary was one of the NFL’s stronger defensive units in 2025, demonstrating commendable performance throughout the season. While the current safety corps maintains much of last year’s successful framework, the team might look to deepen its roster depth further. This could involve targeting available free agents or making strategic selections in the mid-to-late rounds of the upcoming NFL Draft.
