The Houston Texans again stood out as the busiest team on the day, following up their aggressive act from before the start of free agency with an equally proactive effort during the window, with Jake Hummel their latest addition.
Houston has added to the offense and defense, and they signed kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn to an extension, checking one item off their list for special teams.
Hummel addresses another.
Texans Sign Ex-Ravens LB Jake Hummel
GettyLos Angeles Rams LB Jake Hummel tackles Las Vegas RB Ameer Abdullah.
“Another add for Houston,” The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported on X on March 10. “The Texans are adding former Ravens LB Jake Hummel, also on a two-year deal, sources tell The Athletic.”
Hummel was a fan favorite in Baltimore for big-play ability on special teams.
“#Texans added proven special teams contributor-linebacker Jake Hummel,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson posted on X, corroborating the report of the veteran’s addition to the Texans’ roster. “Played 82 percent of special teams snaps for Baltimore last year, 4.51 speed and has 49 career tackles. Previously #Rams.”
Hummel is a former undrafted free agent who spent three seasons in LA before moving on to Baltimore in free agency during the 2025 offseason.
He joins a deep linebacking corps led by two-time team captain Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o and has veteran E.J. Speed on hand as a top reserve. More specifically, Hummel figures to pair with holdover Jake Hansen to give the Texans a pair of special teams mavens.
Hansen received an extension during the 2025 season.
He was second on the Texans in special teams snaps, per Pro Football Reference, while Hummel led the Ravens.
Texans Looking to Improve in All 3 Phases
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio is seen before a game between the Auburn Tigers and the Texas A&M Aggies.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio’s approach to this offseason has been criticized, but it appears to be very targeted while allowing for flexibility where it matters most: in the draft. They would not be remiss to address any position, save for quarterback and the secondary, early.
The Texans have addressed their secondary, added a physical running back, plugged their right tackle spot, and retained one starting player and another with starting experience.
Bringing Hummel in continues their work on special teams.
The Texans ranked near the middle of the pack in terms of yards allowed per punt return, but they had the 11th-worst average defending kickoffs. Hummel and Hansen could be critical keys to improving those numbers, assuming both make it through to the 2026 regular season.
Texans Announce Slew of In-House Deals
GettyDanielle Hunter #55 of the Houston Texans reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Teams cannot announce their free agency signings of players from other teams until Wednesday, but the Texans did make several in-house extensions and re-signings official on Tuesday.
Houston announced new deals for defensive end Danielle Hunter, offensive linemen Ed Ingram and Trent Brown, linebacker E.J. Speed, safety M.J. Stewart, and tight end Dalton Schultz.
Those are in addition to Fairbairn’s deal earlier in the day.
There remains more work to be done, possibly in all three phases, following Hummel’s addition to the Texans’ roster. The draft comes after free agency, and it is where the Texans have landed most of their top players on the current roster.
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