EJ Speed Stays with Texans: Linebacker Secures Contract Extension After Stellar Seasons

The rumour mill had been working overtime, but now it's official: EJ Speed is staying in Houston. The versatile linebacker has put pen to paper on a contract extension that ties him to the Texans for two more seasons. The deal has a maximum value of $13 million, according to sources close to the franchise. For fans of the Texan side, this is brilliant news: their on-field pace is here to stay.

A Smart Move by the Texans

Locking in Speed isn't just routine business. In today's NFL, where the salary cap is a constant factor, teams have to make tough calls. With this extension, the Texans' front office has shown they know what they're doing. Over the last few years, Speed has developed into an indispensable part of the defence. His ability to defend against the run and also cover in the passing game is worth its weight in gold. It's fair to say his speed is one of his biggest weapons. It's no surprise his name often tops the lists when you're looking at the fastest linebackers in the league. He'd probably breeze through a Speedtest.net moment against other athletes.

From Reserve to Uncontested Starter

EJ Speed's story is one of perseverance. Coming in as a late-round 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 step in knew: this guy has something special. It's that explosiveness, that raw athletic pace, that sets him apart. You don't often see him in a Speedo (though let's quickly forget that image), but on the field, his velocity is a sight to behold. It's a pleasure watching him close gaps and pressure quarterbacks. No amphetamines or any other dodgy stuff needed, just pure natural talent and hard yakka.

This new contract is well-deserved. Just look at his production from last year:

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

These aren't just made-up numbers, 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 co-ordinator can keep building. He's now got a reliable asset on the second line. The position alongside 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 pace 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, having pace in the NFL is never enough. But with EJ Speed in your ranks, you've got a decent dose of it.