HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have officially signed safety Jalen Mills, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, who informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday.
This move follows an injury to safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, who hurt his knee during a Texans practice session in West Virginia last Thursday. While Gardner-Johnson’s injury doesn’t seem severe enough to sideline him long-term, there’s uncertainty if he will be ready for the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
In another development, safety Jimmy Ward was arrested for the second time within two months. His initial arrest took place on June 12 at his home in Magnolia, Texas, after a woman accused him of assault, strangulation, and threats, leading to an emergency protective order. Ward was released on $30,000 bail. His recent arrest occurred Thursday night after he tested positive for alcohol, breaching the terms of his previous release. He spent the night in jail but was freed the following day.
The NFL is still reviewing Ward’s situation under its personal conduct policy. Texans’ general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryan have stated that Ward will not participate physically with the team until the legal proceedings conclude.
Jalen Mills arrives as a seasoned veteran, having completed nine NFL seasons. He was initially drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round and played four years there before signing a four-year, $24 million deal with the New England Patriots in 2021. Last season, he was with the New York Jets. Over his career, Mills has played in 115 games, starting 91, recording 59 pass deflections, eight interceptions, and 450 tackles.
Fan Take: This signing is crucial for the Texans as they look to stabilize their defensive backfield, especially with Gardner-Johnson’s injury concerns. For NFL fans, Mills’ veteran presence and proven track record bring hope for a stronger Texans defense, potentially impacting the team’s competitiveness this season.
