Texans Re-Sign Safety Eric Murray Ahead of Free Agency

The Houston Texans were quick to keep one of their own before the new league year began, bringing back safety Eric Murray for depth and special teams assistance.

The Houston Texans fared well in 2023, in large part due to breakout performances from players who were viewed as depth pieces before the season began.

These ascensions paired with a next-man-up mentality that kept fueling Houston’s trip to the AFC Divisional Round. After droves of offensive linemen went down, C.J. Stroud was concussed, Tank Dell’s season was cut short and other injuries dampened their spirits, the bottom of the roster helped keep the Texans afloat.

In turn, general manager Nick Caserio is doing his part to ensure the lesser-known layers of the roster are well-kept and primed to contribute once again should their names get called.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. (1) rushes for yards against Houston Texans linebacker Blake Cashman (53) and safety Eric Murray (23) during the second quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Houston Texans defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars 37-17 :: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

On Saturday, Houston re-signed safety Eric Murray to a one-year extension, per Aaron Wilson.

A knee injury cut his season short, limiting him to just 176 defensive snaps. He started the first three games of the season while injuries took their toll on the secondary and played particularly well in the Week 1 loss against the Baltimore Ravens, where he generated four of his 11 tackles.

In all, he would play in the first six games as a fixture of the Texans’ depth. As a backup safety, Murray was also expected to contribute on special teams. He was great in that role in 2022 and looked the part again in 2023.

Murray, 30, has been used as a versatile chess piece before, but that’s not where his strengths lie. He has long been at his best playing the vast majority of his snaps as a deep safety, rather than a nickelback or box defender.

Expect head coach DeMeco Ryans to keep him away from the line of scrimmage, perhaps by primarily playing him on passing downs when a third safety could be of more demand.

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Wilson also reported that the Texans are attempting to bring back slot corner Desmond King who exceeded expectations against both the run and pass, despite his roster spot being in jeopardy for much of the offseason.

It’s not surprising that Houston wants to bring these part-time contributors back, given their success in 2023. But for the long-term success of the franchise, the Texans will have to prove they can find and produce those kinds of performances consistently.