The Houston Texans are shaking up their roster again, this time with George Odum.
“#Texans plan to sign Pro Bowl special teams ace George Odum, per league source,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X, noting that the veteran safety by trade is “reuniting with college teammate Tremon Smith.”
Odum is a former First Team and Second Team All-Pro on special teams, earning one each with the Colts and 49ers, respectively.
Smith, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is a reserve cornerback and special teams contributor for the Texans.
Odum figures to fill a similar void on the back end for the Texans in his newfound roster spot.
Texans Sign Former 49ers, Colts DB George Odum
GettyThe Texans have added George Odum or Hudson Clark to their roster.
The Texans showed interest in Odum–who has also spent time with Texans AFC Sout rivals, the Indianapolis Colts–as well as fellow safety Hudson Clark and cornerback Tre Hawkins, brining all three in for workouts on Sunday.
Odum is 32, with 108 regular-season games (12 starts) in his career. He has 204 combined tackles, 9 pass deflections, four forced fumbles, 3 interceptions, and 2 recoveries.
Still, his greatest contributions will come on special teams.
The Texans also cut ties with wide receiver Juwann Winfree, a former draft pick of the Denver Broncos who has also had stints with the Colts and Green Bay Packers, per Texans Truth Serum host Jayson Braddock.
Texans Shake Up Wide Receiver Room Amid Injuries
GettyThe Texans have decided to part ways with Juwann Winfree.
Winfree’s exit is noteworthy amid the Texans’ injury woes at wide receiver, including a season-ending torn ACL for Jayden Higgins.
The Texans have not gotten Jaylin Noel or Tank Dell back in full yet, either.
Houston has also suffered injuries in the secondary, which more directly aligns with Odum’s signing. Rookie cornerback Collin Wright and veteran safety Ja’Marcus Ingram are both dealing with ailments that have already impacted their practice participation.
With only the preseason finale to go, and the Texans possibly resting all of their starters–and perhaps even key backups–they need depth now more than ever.
The Texans also recently signed Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones, making Winfree expendable.
Texans Sign Former 49ers Standout, Cut Ties With Ex-Broncos Wide Receiver