Houston Texans Roster Moves: Texans Claim One Off Waivers, Cut Two

The Houston Texans are still scrambling to fill the holes left by season-ending injuries across the defensive front. Although the initial focus has been on the front seven, the Texans have now claimed cornerback Marcus Williams off waivers, according to Mark Berman.

Williams, 26, played with the New York Jets for the past four season after going undrafted out of North Dakota State. He collected 97 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 23 pass deflections, nine interceptions, and forced two fumbles entering the 2017 season.

The Jets placed a second-round tender on Williams this past offseason after he appeared in 34 games for them, including 14 starts.

Thus far in 2017, Williams appeared in all five of the Jets’ games, notching five tackles.

Pro Football Focus doesn’t have many flattering things to say about the newest Texan. Williams ranked 107th out of 117 qualified cornerbacks and allowed 7.97 yard after catch, the second-highest rate among qualified corners.

Williams’ arrival necessarily meant the Texans would have to shuffle their current 53-man roster, assuming they still have designs on filling J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus’ roster spots with players not currently on the team. Instead of making just one move, however, the Texans have reportedly already made two.

Jah Reid was added to the roster prior to Week Two and didn’t see any meaningful action, even on an offensive line that you might have thought would provide an opportunity for him to steal snaps. Johnthan Banks was a Texan for even less time and didn’t play particularly well despite being thrust into the rotation at corner; Williams presumably takes Banks’ spot.

More news as it breaks. Until then, react accordingly below.