Bruce Ellington will remain a member of the Houston Texans. The two sides agreed to terms on a one year deal to keep the slot receiver in Houston. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport Tweeted the news Wednesday evening.
Bruce Ellington is going back to the #Texans on a 1-year deal, source said. He may have found a home after he had success there in the slot in 2017.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2018
As Rapoport mentions in his Tweet, Ellington was successful as a slot receiver last season. Ellington caught 29 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season.
Ellington also saw time as a punt returner. Returning five punts for 47 yards. Ellington’s long return on the season went for 21 yards.
The Texans acquired Ellington prior to the 2017 season from the 49ers. During his time in San Francisco Ellington was used more as a return man than wide receiver. Returning 42 punts compared to just 19 receptions in two seasons.
Houston called Ellington into action due to injuries and the outright release of another player. Will Fuller missed time to start the season and Jaelen Strong was released after serving a one-game suspension to start the season. Strong’s suspension was due to a violation of the NFL’s substance abuse policy.
Essentially the Texans had to use Ellington more than they necessarily wanted to. But it turns out that Ellington can be a productive slot receiver. As a third receiver behind DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, Ellington can find ways to make plays. Ellington does not need to be the number one option but can perform if needed.
Ellington is not the best receiver on the roster, in fact he is far from it. Hopkins and Fuller are clearly better receivers. Ellington has a role and fills a need. That of a complimentary receiver to go next to the Texans big time receivers.