Kareem Jackson Returns to Houston Texans After Release from Denver Broncos

The Houston Texans have claimed hard-hitting safety Kareem Jackson off waivers from the Denver Broncos, bringing him back to his original team. The Broncos had hoped to re-sign Jackson to their practice squad, but the Texans swooped in to bring him back to Houston.

Denver Broncos’ Missed Opportunity

The Broncos were hoping that Jackson would clear waivers so that they could re-sign him and elevate him to the active roster for games. However, their plans were thwarted when the Texans claimed him off waivers.

A Return to His Roots

Kareem Jackson was originally drafted by the Texans in 2010 and played cornerback for nine seasons with the team. He joined the Broncos in 2019 as a free agent and made the transition from cornerback to safety.

A Hard-Hitting Style

At 5-foot-10 and 183 pounds, Jackson’s smaller size for an NFL safety is compensated for by his hard-hitting style. While hits of this nature were once celebrated, they are now frowned upon due to safety concerns.

Troubles with League Rules

In 2023, Jackson repeatedly violated the league’s rules aimed at protecting players’ safety with a series of illegal hits. These infractions resulted in fines, ejections, and suspensions, totaling six games missed.

A Rocky Season

After losing his starting job to Caden Sterns in training camp, Jackson regained his role when Sterns suffered a season-ending injury. However, he faced further setbacks due to suspensions and injuries, limiting his playing time.

Claimed by the Texans

Despite limited playing time in recent games, Jackson’s return to the field was sealed when the Texans claimed him off waivers and placed safety Jimmie Ward on injured reserve.

Ready for Action

Despite his recent absences, Jackson has remained in excellent cardiovascular condition and is prepared to contribute on the field. He likened his return to riding a bike, saying that once you know how to do it, you never forget.

Seeking Guidance from the Commissioner

During his suspension, Jackson sought advice from Commissioner Roger Goodell on avoiding future rule infractions. Goodell emphasized the importance of player safety but acknowledged the challenges faced by safeties in balancing self-protection and making impactful plays.