March 7, 2026, 2:26 p.m. CT
Another member of the Houston Texans is back for the 2026 season.
According to KRPC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson, the Texans and linebacker E.J. Speed have agreed to terms on a two-year extension worth up to $13 million. According to Wilson, Speed will receive a $4 million signing bonus with $7.5 million in guaranteed money.
Signed to a one-year $5 million deal following his time with the Indianapolis Colts, Speed served as a solid No. 3 option behind Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, while also contributing on special teams. Last season, he recoded 62 tackles, three for losses, two quarterback hits and one pass defensed in 16 games.
Speed started in nine games for Houston, including the wild-card round outing against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was recorded playing 44 percent of all defensive snaps and 52 percent of snaps on special teams.
Speed is now the third player to be extended this offseason by general manager Nick Caserio, joining All-Pro defensive end Danielle Hunter and tight end Dalton Schultz. On Thursday, Hunter agreed to terms on a one-year, $41.1 million extension, keeping him in Houston through 2027.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
A day later, Schultz agreed to a new one-year extension worth $12.6 million, helping free up over $6 million in space ahead of Wednesday’s legal tampering period.