Report: Houston Texans Sign Quarterback T.J. Yates

Following the debacle with Ryan Mallett and his subsequent release from the team today, there were reports (reports that were celebrated by MDC) that the Texans were looking to bring back quarterback T.J. Yates. That now appears to be a fact, as reported by Fox 26's Mark Berman.

Have confirmed #Texans signing T.J. Yates as the team's backup QB replacing Ryan Mallett who was released.

— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) October 27, 2015

Yates was drafted by the Texans out of North Carolina with the 152nd pick (fifth round) of the 2011 NFL Draft. As a rookie Yates was thrust into the lineup after starting quarterback Matt Schaub was lost for the season to a Lisfranc injury and backup Matt Leinart broke his collarbone in his first start as a Texan.

Yates became the first Texans quarterback in franchise history to play in, and then lead, the team to playoff victory that same season, beating the Bengals 31-10 in a legendary wild card game. After losing to Baltimore in the divisional round the following week, Yates would only see action off the bench in seven games over the following two seasons.

The Texans traded Yates to the Falcons before the 2014 season, receiving linebacker Akeem Dent in return. Atlanta released Yates on Sept. 4, 2015, after he was beat out by Sean Renfree for the backup job behind Matt Ryan. Since he was cut before the 2015 season started, Yates has been a free agent.

Now he's back in Houston, the site of his greatest professional success. Check that...maybe that pinnacle actually happened in Cincinnati.

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