Safety Jimmie Ward is set to continue his tenure with the Houston Texans beyond his original contract. After signing a two-year deal with Houston as a free agent in 2022, Ward has now agreed to a one-year contract extension, which will keep him with the team through the 2025 season. The exact terms of the extension have not been disclosed.
Ward’s connection with Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans dates back to their time together with the San Francisco 49ers. Ryans, who was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers, saw Ward as a key player in his defense and continued to utilize him as a starter when he was healthy during the 2023 season. Unfortunately, Ward’s season was cut short due to injuries, limiting him to just 10 games before he was placed on injured reserve.
Despite the limited number of games, Ward made a significant impact on the field. Over those 10 appearances, he recorded 50 tackles, which is an impressive average of five tackles per game. He also contributed one interception, a forced fumble, and three passes defensed, showcasing his versatility and playmaking ability in the Texans’ secondary.
Ward’s extension is likely a strategic move by the Texans to maintain continuity in their defense, especially with a player who is familiar with Ryans’ system. Ward’s experience and leadership on the field are valuable assets for a team that is still in the process of rebuilding and solidifying its defensive unit.
With this extension, Ward will have the opportunity to further establish himself as a cornerstone of the Texans’ defense, provided he can stay healthy and continue to perform at a high level over the next few seasons.
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