EJ Speed Stays with Texans: Contract Extension After Strong Seasons

The rumour mill was churning overtime, but now it's official: EJ Speed is staying in Houston. The versatile linebacker has signed a contract extension that keeps him with the Texans for the next two seasons. The deal has a maximum value of $13 million, according to sources close to the franchise. For fans of the Texan team, this is brilliant news: their speed on the field is here to stay.

A Smart Move by the Texans

Locking in Speed isn't just a routine bit of business. In today's NFL, where the salary cap is a constant factor, teams have to make tough calls. The Texans' front office has shown with this extension that they know what they're doing. Speed has become an indispensable part of the defence over the past few years. His ability to defend the run and also cover in the passing game is pure gold. You can safely say his speed is one of his biggest weapons. It's no wonder his name often pops up near the top when you're looking at the fastest linebackers in the league. He'd probably breeze through a Speedtest.net moment against other athletes.

From Backup to Uncontested Starter

EJ Speed's story is one of perseverance. Coming in as a late-draft pick, he's worked his way up over the years. Initially mainly active on special teams, he's been a mainstay in the starting lineup for the last two seasons. Anyone who saw him fill in knew: this bloke has something special. It's that explosiveness, that raw athletic speed, that sets him apart from the rest. You don't often spot him in a Speedo (though let's quickly forget that image), but on the field, his pace is a joy to watch. It's a treat to see him close down gaps and pressure quarterbacks. No amphetamine or other funny business needed, just pure natural talent and hard yakka.

This new contract is more than deserved. Just look at his output from last year:

• Over 100 tackles, making him a driving force in the defence.
• Multiple sacks and tackles for loss, highlighting the impact of a blitzing linebacker.
• Incredible consistency; week in, week out, he held his own.

These aren't just pulled out of thin air, these are the hard facts. And those facts tell us the Texans have made a wise investment.

What Does This Mean for the Future?

With Speed locked in, Houston's defensive coordinator can keep building. He's now got a reliable asset on the second line. The spot next to him might be the only question mark for the next two years, but with an anchor like Speed, half the work is already done. It also gives the team the breathing room to strengthen further through the draft or free agency. The speed at the heart of the defence is sorted. For the fans, it simply means they get to enjoy one of the hardest workers in a Texans jersey for at least another two seasons. And as we all know, you can never have enough speed in the NFL. But with EJ Speed in your ranks, you've certainly got a good dose of it.