For the third time in as many seasons Justin Reid has been with the Houston Texans, the former 2018 third-round pick is getting a new partner at safety.
The Texans signed former Cleveland Browns defensive back Eric Murray in free agency, and Reid is anticipating the team-up with his new comrade on the back end.
“He’s an athletic guy, a really hard worker, and I just know he’s going to be really excited for this opportunity,” Reid said via the Houston Chronicle. “He’s really showed up whenever he did get on the field. This is going to be a hell of an opportunity for him to really come out from the get-go.”
Murray played nine games for the Browns in 2019, starting in four of them. The former Kansas City Chiefs fourth-round pick collected 24 tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, and a pass breakup in Cleveland’s 6-10 campaign.
Reid expects better results with Murray in Houston.
“We’re going to be working together and communicating,” said Reid. “He’s going to be my partner in crime. We’ll feed off each other.”
The former Stanford Cardinal grabbed two interceptions, broke up five passes, recovered one fumble, made a tackle for loss, and recorded 78 tackles for the Texans in 15 games last season.
Reid’s first teammate at safety in his rookie season was Tyrann Mathieu, who later signed with the Chiefs in the 2019 offseason, earning an All-Pro during the club’s victorious Super Bowl campaign.
In 2019, the Texans replaced Matheiu with former Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars safety Tashaun Gipson. The former Wyoming Cowboy missed two regular season games and the Texans’ two playoff games, which led to the organization seeking an upgrade.
The Texans finished last season with 22 takeaways, tied with Washington for the 15th-most in the league. Eight of the top 10 teams in takeaways in 2019 made the playoffs.
