The Houston Texans had been in the news for snagging players, both their own and other teams’, during the free agency tampering period. But they, too, are feeling the sting, with Texans linebacker Christian Harris finding a new home.
Houston drafted Harris, and he has logged double-digit games for them in three of his four seasons.
Unfortunately, teams cannot pay everyone, and Harris slipped through the cracks.
Texans Lose LB Christian Harris
GettyChristian Harris #48 of the Houston Texans sacks Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harris was the 75th overall pick of the 2022 draft, and he has spent every season of his career with the Texans. However, Harris will take his talents to the NFC, and specifically the Atlanta Falcons, for his next act.
“Falcons have agreed to terms with former Texans LB Christian Harris, per source,” NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported on X on March 9.
Harris departs with 206 total tackles, 4.0 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception.
He had a career-low 11 tackles in 2025, but he also started a career-low one contest. Harris started 27 of his 46 games played for Houston, and he will look to establish himself further with the Falcons in Atlanta.
Harris was coming off a four-year, $5.3 million contract in Houston, which he signed as a rookie in 2022, and has $7 million in career earnings. Spotrac projected a one-year, $2.3 million deal.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide LB leaves behind several fellow alumni.
The list includes standout defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and head coach DeMeco Ryans. In Atlanta, he reunites with safety Demarcco Hellams and running back Jase McClellan. Harris has made splash plays throughout his career, but has never been able to remain consistent.
Christian Harris News Sparks Strong Reactions
GettyChristian Harris #48 of the Houston Texans rushes for a touchdown after an interception during the AFC Wild Card Playoffs against the Cleveland Browns.
“Sad to see Christian Harris go out this way, but the injuries were just too much for him with the Texans,” Toro Times’ Clayton Anderson posted in reaction to the news.
“We’ll always have the ‘Harris County Pick-6’ of 2023. [disappointed face emoji].”
Harris returned an interception for a touchdown during the Texans’ 2023 AFC Wild Card Playoff win over the Cleveland Browns. He has 17 total tackles and 1.0 sacks to go along with his pick-6 in five playoff games.
Harris started three of those contests. He leaves behind fond memories for Texans fans who saw him but know there was unfulfilled potential.
“The idea of Christian Harris is really fun, thought there was something special brewing in Houston around his performance in the playoff win over Cleveland,” Texans Wire’s John Crumpler posted on X in reaction to a fan’s thoughts on the veteran’s fit. “Just struggled heavily with injuries the last two years and fell on a loaded depth chart.
“Hopefully thrives in ATL.”
Texans LB Room in Strong Spot
GettyHenry To’oTo’o #39 of the Houston Texans sacks Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills.
With Harris officially leaving, the Texans’ linebacker room could be primed to add new talent, either in free agency or the draft.
However, it is not a need like some areas of the roster.
The Texans currently roster starters Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, and they re-signed veteran backup E.J. Speed before free agency. Houston also has recent draft picks Jamal Hill and Damone Clark, the latter of whom is formerly of the Dallas Cowboys.
Al-Shaair turns 29 in August, and Speed turns 31 in June.
But To’oTo’o turned 25 in January, giving the Texans a bridge player from Al-Shaair to his eventual replacement.
That could be Hill, who spent much of 2025 injured, and Clark, who logged 16 combined stops in six games played after the Texans claimed him off waivers. Or the Texans could explore a strong linebacker class in the 2026 draft to further bolster their group.
Texans Lose Former Draft Pick to NFC Rival in Free Agency: Report