Texans sign G Chris Reed and WR Quintez Cephus

Chris Reed has secured the chance for a 10th NFL season, while Quintez Cephus has been given another chance with a team after his gambling suspension in 2023. The Texans will give these new signings the green light.

After playing two seasons with the Vikings, Reed will land in Houston, according to KSTP’s Darren Wolfson. Cephus has reached an agreement to join a deep-pocketed Texans receiver roster, according to his agency. Cephus did not play last season, but was one of the players who violated gambling policies and was reinstated earlier this offseason. The Bills initially signed Cephus after he was reinstated, but released him soon after.

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This will be team No. 6 for Reed, who is now under contract with the Titans and no longer playing in the AFC South cycle. Reed was primarily a backup for the Vikings but has started 30 times in his career. He will likely be in the mix as a swing position candidate in Houston, where several interior defensive O-linemen are returning after missing seasons due to injuries.

The Panthers used Reed as a 14-game starter in 2020, playing exclusively at left guard. Reed started six games for the Colts in 2021, playing both guard positions and replacing Quenton Nelson And Mark Glowinskithis year. Reed also started eight times for the Jaguars from 2016 to 2018; a nomadic path followed.

Reed, who turns 32 next week, spent most of last season on Minnesota’s reserve/NFI list. He played just two offensive snaps in 2023. The Vikings had turned to Reed as an emergency center late in the 2022 season, as Garrett Bradbury recovered from an injury. The parties agreed to a salary cut to keep the Minnesota State graduate in the Twin Cities, but last season was a significant step backwards for the ex-UDFA.

The Texans lost Josh Jones (to the Ravens) in free agency, but have Kenyon Green And Kendrick Green Return from season-ending illnesses. The former, a first-round pick in 2022, may have the best chance to play as left guard opposite the durable Shaq Mason. Kendrick Greena former Steelers center who hasn’t played much since the 2021 season is in a contract year. Jarrett Pattersondem Juice Scruggs is expected to replace the center position, also plays a role in Houston’s LG competition. Reed, who is certainly a potential backup option for the practice squad, will likely look for a position as a center back.

Cephus, 26, was among the first wave of players suspended in 2023 for violating gambling policies. The ex-Lion was found to have made NFL bets, resulting in a season-long suspension. The Bills released the former Lions role player after a few weeks. Cephus did collect 553 receiving yards between the 2020 and 2021 seasons, but the backup/special teamer’s career has gone off track.

The Texans will not have room for all of their big-name receivers, which makes this addition quite interesting. In addition to the planned starters Steve Diggs, Nico Collins And Tank DellHouston Squad Robert Woods, Noah BrownSecond round pick 2022 John Metchie and trade acquisition Ben Skowronek. Cephus will face an uphill battle to make the team’s 53-man roster, and rumors of a trade will likely impact one or more of the Texans’ backup options.