Texans Sign Patriots Ex Myles Bryant; What's Next?

Cornerback Myles Bryant, who had been one of the New England Patriots most versatile defensive backs, has signed a free agent contract with the Houston Texans.

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (82) / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

FOXBORO — Former New England Patriots cornerback will have a new home for the upcoming NFL season. 

Bryant, per a Monday afternoon report from KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson, is signing a free agent deal with the Houston Texans. Terms of the contract have yet to be made available. 

Bryant originally joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Washington in 2020. In his four seasons with the Pats, the Pasadena, California native has compiled 200 total tackles (nine for loss,) 17 passes-defensed, four interceptions, two sacks and three forced fumbles. 

Jan 7, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Xavier Gipson (82) / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Amid the Pats difficulties in 2023, Bryant emerged as a reliable contributor and occasional playmaker from both the slot and the perimeter. The 26-year-old finished the season with 77 total tackles, seven passes-defensed, two forced fumbles, one sack and an interception. While Bryant is most comfortable aligning from the slot, or as an occasional hybrid safety, he was forced into duty on the outside, with injuries having kept rookie Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones and J.C. Jackson on the sidelines throughout the season. In total, Bryant aligned on 75 percent of the Patriots defensive snaps last season. 

Following Jonathan Jones’ shoulder injury in October 2021, Bryant became the Pats’ primary option at the slot in their defensive backfield. The hard-hitting defensive back continuously played a versatile role with New England. With the Pats often employing multiple defensive backs against their opponents, Bryant provided notable versatility to the Patriots defensive backfield, seeing most of his snaps in the slot. Though Bryant occasionally aligned as the third safety in the Pats customary three-safety set, his primary focus is typically their opponents’ slot receiver.

In his first full season as New England’s slot corner, he earned career highs in total tackles (70), solo tackles (45) and six passes-defensed. He also logged one interception and recovered a fumble.

With Bryant’s departure, the Patriots currently have Gonzalez, Alex Austin, Shaun Wade, Jonathan Jones, Marcus Jones, Marco Wilson, and Isaiah Bolden under contract at the position heading into 2024.