Six-year veteran linebacker E.J. Speed signed a new contract with the Houston Texans. Speed, a former fifth-round pick, spent the entirety of his career with the Indianapolis Colts.
E.J. Speed, Houston Texans, Agree to Contract
The 2024 season was easily the most productive of Speed’s career. Starting and appearing in 15 games, the linebacker finished his season with 142 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, one quarterback hit, one interception, five passes defended, and a 56.7 PFF grade, the 67th-best mark out of 84 eligible players. While Speed provided adequate play in the center of the defense, it wasn’t enough to get the Indianapolis Colts into the playoffs.
E.J. Speed originally entered the league as a fifth-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. Selected by the Indianapolis Colts, the Tarleton State product needed time to establish himself in the league. Appearing in 12 games as a rookie, Speed finished his inaugural season with just seven tackles and one tackle-for-loss.
2020 was more of the same, yet despite spending most of the season on the bench, the Colts made the playoffs with veteran Philip Rivers guiding the way. Unfortunately, their postseason stint was short-lived, as the team lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.
Despite the slow start to his career, E.J. Speed began to see an increased workload during the third year of his rookie contract. While he still wasn’t a full-time starter, he saw more playing time and finished the 2021 season with 41 tackles and one pass defended. He continued to grow in 2022, recording one sack, 63 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and one quarterback hit.
The Colts re-signed E.J. Speed to a two-year contract during the 2023 offseason. Finally allowed to start, the freshly-paid linebacker recorded one sack, 102 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and two quarterback hits in 16 games.
Since signing his rookie contract, E.J. Speed has recorded two sacks, 354 tackles, 27 tackles-for-loss, and four quarterback hits.
This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.
