M.J. Stewart Expressed His Desire to Stay in Houston Even as a Backup — Texans Decide to Keep Him on a One-Year Deal Just Before Free Agency Begins
Houston — Just days before the NFL free agency period officially opens, the Houston Texans made an important decision to maintain depth in their secondary. The team has agreed to re-sign veteran safety M. J. Stewart to a one-year contract after the player reportedly expressed a strong desire to remain in Houston, even if it meant continuing in a backup role.
Stewart, a former second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2018 NFL Draft, has spent the past four seasons with the Texans. While he has not always been a full-time starter, the veteran defensive back has consistently been valued for his experience, reliability, and readiness whenever the team needed him.
Last season, Stewart recorded 25 tackles and two pass deflections in nine games, including four starts. His season, however, was cut short after he suffered a torn quadriceps tendon injury. Recent reports indicate that his recovery has been progressing well and that he is expected to be fully ready for the upcoming season.
“My quadriceps tendon injury is recovering very well, and that means I’ll be fully ready to play at a high level again next season,” Stewart said. “I told the front office that I wanted the chance to stay in Houston, even if it’s only as a backup. I truly love this team. This place has given me more than just football. And if I’m given the opportunity, I’ll give everything I have to help this team win.”
Throughout his time with Houston, Stewart has appeared in 49 games, totaling 100 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles. Those numbers highlight the steady impact he has provided whenever the Texans’ defense needed reinforcement in the secondary.
The Texans’ defensive backfield faced several challenges last season when Jalen Pitre suffered an injury and the team moved on from C. J. Gardner-Johnson early in the year. During that stretch, Stewart played an important role in helping stabilize the defense.
Houston still features a talented group of defensive backs, including Calen Bullock, Derek Stingley Jr., and Kamari Lassiter. Keeping Stewart adds valuable experience and depth as the Texans prepare for another season with hopes of making a deeper playoff run.
The decision also reflects Houston’s roster philosophy: retaining players who understand the system and are willing to sacrifice individual roles for the success of the team. And for Stewart, wearing a Texans uniform again next season may matter more than where his name appears on the depth chart.
May You Like
