Texans strengthen special teams with Jaylen Watkins

The Houston Texans have agreed to terms with defensive back Jaylen Watkins to a two-year deal.

The Houston Texans have agreed with defensive back Jaylen Watkins to a two-year deal worth up to $3 million, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Watkins is joining his third team in the league since getting drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

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Watkins spent two stints with the Eagles and a short stint in between with the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad, where he was teammates with his brother, Sammy Watkins.

He finished his four seasons in Philadelphia with 56 tackles, eight pass deflections, and starting in five of the 36 games he appeared with the Eagles.

Watkins signed a one year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers but missed the remainder of the year after tearing his ACL in preseason action. He re-signed another one year deal with the Chargers for the 2019 season.

Watkins played sparingly with the Chargers’ defense and finished the season with three starts in the 14 games he was active. He ended his stint in Los Angeles with 29 tackles and a pass deflection.

In another interesting note, Watkins will now be working with Texans Assistant defensive backs coach D’Anton Lynn, who is the son of Chargers’ current head coach Anthony Lynn.

Now Watkins will join a secondary that is looking to add depth and will benefit from versatility he brings to the defense. Watkins will primarily play on special teams, but he holds a background of playing safety and cornerback in his previous stops.