Jimmie Ward is sticking around for another season at NRG Stadium.
According to the Houston Chronicle’s Jonathan M. Alexander, the Houston Texans and the veteran safety agreed to a one-year extension through the 2025 season. Ward, who has been a part of a DeMeco Ryans’ defense since his time in San Francisco, was entering the final year of his two-year deal worth up to $13 million signed back in 2023.
ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime also confirmed the signing. According to KPRC 2 Sports’ Aaron Wilson the deal adds $5.25 million in new money to his $8.75 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons.
“He’s a great communicator and Jimmie is versatile,” Ryans said Monday. “He can come down and play man coverage. He can play in the deep half of the field like making plays. Jimmie is a very versatile player and I think that opens up a variety of things we can do defensively when it comes to gameplan wise.”
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on veteran safety Jimmie Ward leadership and value to the team @KPRC2 https://t.co/cVzbVMmcjw pic.twitter.com/nYyfsXskta
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 19, 2024
Ward, 33, served as the mouthpiece and model for other Texans to learn Ryans’ defense last season. His versatility allowed him to play in multiple coverages and work both safety roles while helping transform Houston into one of the league’s better defenses.
A former first-round pick. Ward was voted team captain by his teammates in his first year with the Texans. He totaled 50 tackles, an interception and a forced fumble in 10 games while helping Houston win its first division title in four years.
The only downside to Ward’s physical style of play is the injury concern. He missed time over his nine seasons with the 49ers due to multiple ailments. Last season, he ended up on the injured reserve for seven games, including Houston’s run in the postseason.
The Texans are better with Ward on the back end and third-year safety Jalen Pitre in the slot. The duo has looked impressive in training camp, with Pitre notching his first interception in two years in Saturday’s 28-10 win over the New York Giants.
Houston still should feel good about its depth at safety. Eric Murray flashed in Ryans’ man-heavy scheme opposite either Ward or Pitre at times last season. The Texans also drafted USC’s Calen Bullock, who’s been exceptional in a rotational role with the starters and should be a long-term option for the secondary with second-round pick Kamari Lassiter.
I see a lot of people aren’t thrilled about the Texans extending Jimmie Ward but I like it.
Veteran presence who was banged up all last year, I think he’s going to have a much much better year two in Houston.
— Nick Schwager (@NickSchwagerNFL) August 19, 2024
A healthy Ward could be the missing link that sends Houston to the conference championship for the first time in franchise history. His versatility also should serve as insurance regardless of where Ryans lines him up.
