The Texans have steadily signed numerous veterans to low-cost, short-term deals during Nick Caserio‘s GM tenure. This offseason, they have shown a considerable interest in the linebacker position.
After signing Denzel Perryman and Cory Littleton, Houston agreed to terms with Jermaine Carter on Monday. A former Panthers full-time starter, Carter spent last season with the Browns. His signing comes a few days after the Texans re-signed linebacker/special-teamer Neville Hewitt.
This focus on the off-ball linebacker spot will create considerable competition in training camp. The Texans still roster veterans Christian Kirksey and Blake Cashman, and the team selected Christian Harris in last year’s third round. This trio came in during Lovie Smith‘s season in charge; Hewitt joined the team under David Culley two years ago. Either way, the Texans now have five linebackers entering at least their fifth NFL season. Kirksey is in Year 10, Perryman and Hewitt in Year 9, Littleton in Year 8, Cashman in Year 5. The team also drafted Alabama’s Henry To’oTo’o in the fifth round.
Carter, 28, is attempting to play a sixth NFL season. The Panthers chose the Maryland alum in the 2018 fifth round. He started 31 games with Carolina, including all 17 during the 2021 season. Perryman and Carter were briefly teammates that year as well, but the former never played for the Panthers. After a training camp trade with the Raiders, Perryman’s quick Charlotte departure left a starting spot open that Carter ended up filling. Carter made 88 tackles (three for loss) and recovered a fumble in 2021.
Last year, the Chiefs signed Carter but did not carry him through to their 53-man roster. The Browns added him to their practice squad in September and, amid a season featuring extensive injury trouble at the linebacker spot, used the former Day 3 pick in seven games. Carter played just 93 defensive snaps last season, however.