Marcus Gilchrist could be what the Houston Texans are looking for at safety.
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to the Houston Texans’ defense heading into training camp this year was at the safety position now that Quintin Demps is gone.
The Texans have taken a look at three free agent safeties this offseason in Aaron Williams, Jaiquawn Jarrett and most recently Marcus Gilchrist.
After bringing Gilchrist in for a visit this week, the Texans liked what they saw and have signed the 28 year-old veteran to a contract on Monday.
Gilchrist is a solid player that was released by the New York Jets this past May after they selected two safeties in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Gilchrist recorded a total of 55 tackles, three pass deflections and two interceptions in 2016 for the Jets, which isn’t bad. HIs Pro Football Focus grade for 2016 was a 77.1.
Gilchrist started his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers after being selected in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of the University of Clemson.
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It only made sense for the Texans to sign Gilchrist given the fact that he played his college ball at Clemson. They already have three other players on their roster that played for the Tigers in wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, defensive tackle D.J. Reader and rookie quarterback Deshaun Watson.
As long as Gilchrist doesn’t have a problem picking up the Texans’ defense, he should be able to soldify solidifying a starting spot.
The Texans also announced the signing of free agent wide receiver DeAndrew White.
The 25 year-old White originally signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2015 and was with the New England Patriots from 2016-17 as a member of their practice squad.
White played his college ball at Alabama where he won two College Football National Championships.