The Houston Texans just secured some key depth in their secondary with the re-signing of an eight-year veteran (and four-year Texan).
According to NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler, and confirmed by KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, the Texans and safety M.J. Stewart have agreed on a one-year contract to keep him in Houston for a fifth season.
In nine games played (four starts), he patrolled the second level with 25 tackles (15 solo, 10 assist), one forced fumble and two passes defended. Stewart tore his quadriceps in November of this past season, but Wilson reported that his recovery from the injury is progressing well.
His injury occured in the second quarter of their week 10 come-from-behind 36-29 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, as he was knocked to the ground on a block attempt by wideout Tim Patrick (he was starting in place of former Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson after his release earlier in the season). ESPN Texans analyst DJ Bien-Aime quoted head coach DeMeco Ryans praises for Stewart's efforts with, "
"Unfortunate for M.J. He was doing a really good job, playing really good for us in that starting role. "He meant a lot to our team. So, we're going to miss M.J. and what he brings to our team."
It may not be the flashiest of moves, but securing continuity and depth in the secondary is always a plus for head coach DeMeco Ryans and his NFL-best defense.
Texans maintain continuity and depth by keeping Stewart on the roster
Coming over from the Cleveland Browns on a two-year deal in 2022, Stewart had already played in 50 career games with an overall stat line of: 137 total tackles (111 solo, 26 assist), one sack, one forced fumble, two interceptions and 12 passes defended (with nine starts along the way).
Joining Ryan's squad, the former UNC Tar Heel was a serviceable replacement/rotation option throughout his 40 games played in Houston (he even got some postseason reps in 2024 against the Los Angeles Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs).
Additionally, his presence in the locker room is a bonus for incoming young players, as he can instill lessons and insights from his almost-decade's worth of experience in the multitude of high-pressure scenarios presented by NFL life.
If Stewart can full recover in time for the start of regular seaosn play, don't be surprised if he continues to be a reliable piece to the Texans' defensive puzzle in 2026.