HOUSTON – The Houston Texans have bolstered their defense by securing the signing of safety Jalen Mills, according to agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey.
This strategic incorporation comes after the knee injury suffered by C.J. Gardner-Johnson during a practice in West Virginia last Thursday. Although Gardner-Johnson is not expected to be out of action for long, there is a possibility that he will return for the first game of the season against the Rams in Los Angeles.
Simultaneously, safety Jimmie Ward was arrested for the second time in two months on Thursday night.
Ward’s first arrest occurred on June 12 at his residence in Magnolia, Texas, on charges of family assault with obstruction of respiratory circulation. A woman alerted the authorities, alleging assault, strangulation, and threats by Ward. An emergency protection order was issued at the woman’s request. Ward was released after posting a $30,000 bond.
The recent arrest of Ward came after he tested positive for alcohol, which violated the conditions of his prior release. Ward spent the night in jail and was released on Friday.
The NFL is reviewing Ward’s case under its personal conduct policy. Texans general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans have expressed that they will wait for the legal process to run its course. Ward is also on the physically unable to perform list.
Jalen Mills brings valuable experience to the team, with nine seasons in the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2016 draft by the Philadelphia Eagles.
After four years in Philadelphia, he signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021. Last season, Mills played for the New York Jets.
In his career, Mills has participated in 115 games, starting in 91 of them, and has recorded 59 passes defended, 8 interceptions, and 450 tackles.
