The Texans already have their two starting linebackers set in Azeez Al-Shaair and Henry To’oTo’o, but the big question now is who will step into that third linebacker role with E.J. Speed sidelined.
That answer likely won’t come until training camp, but Houston already has a few options on the roster. One of them is Marte Mapu, whom the Texans traded for earlier this offseason. Mapu is a former third-round pick with 10 career starts under his belt, though he never truly broke out during his time with the Patriots.
Visit newsbetting.club for more information.
Another option is rookie fourth-round pick Wade Woodaz. Woodaz was reportedly a player head coach DeMeco Ryans was very high on throughout the draft process, and he served as a team captain at Clemson last season.
Houston also selected linebacker Aiden Fisher in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Fisher is coming off a National Championship season and enters the league with plenty of momentum heading into his rookie year.
Beyond those names, the depth starts to thin out quickly. Because of that, it wouldn’t be surprising to see general manager Nick Caserio explore the trade market around training camp if the Texans don’t feel confident enough in the current group.
No matter who ends up filling that role, Houston has other ways to compensate for Speed’s absence — especially with Jalen Pitre, who continues to be a true swiss army knife for the defense. Speed should return around November, according to NFL Reporter Aaron Wilson.