A Super Bowl champion joins CJ Stroud, Texans to replace injured player

The Houston Texans know they need to improve on their defensive output. After all, the offense is almost covered with quarterback C.J. Stroud. They need to protect him, but if done, the team will score plenty points. However, one of the faces they brought to strengthen their defense suffered an injury. Now, they went and grabbed a Super Bowl winner to replace him.

After safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury, the team has now signed Jalen Mills. Playing for the Jets last year, Mills had 44 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in nine games. The former seventh-round pick rose to prominence and helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in 2017.

Gardner-Johnson avoided an ACL tear but there is no certainty as to how long he will be out. Also, Jimmie Ward is dealing with legal issues that could jeopardize his availability for Week 1 of the NFL season.

Mills brings experience and depth

This will be Mills’ tenth season in the NFL. He’s played for the Eagles, Patriots and Jets. However, he is only 31 years old. He is still a very productive assett to have on any team’s secondary.

Jalen Mills #35 of the New York Jets looks on after the Seattle Seahawks defeated the Jets, 26-21, at MetLife Stadium on December 01, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Despite being a seventh-round pick, the LSU product has been a starter ever since his second year in the NFL. Mills has defied all of the odds during his decade-long career.

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How does the Texans secondary look now?

With Mills entering as a swap for Gardner-Johnson, here’s how the Texans’ depth chart look:

• Cornerback: Derek Stingley Jr.
• Strong Safety: Jalen Mills
• Free Safety: Calen Bullock
• Cornerback: Kamari Lassiter
• Nickelback: Jalen Pitre