HOUSTON — The Texans signed safety Jalen Mills, agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday.
Mills’ signing comes after safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a knee injury during the Texans’ practice in West Virginia on Thursday.
Gardner-Johnson isn’t expected to be out long term; there’s a chance he can return for the Texans’ Week 1 game against the Rams in Los Angeles.
Also on Thursday night, safety Jimmie Ward was arrested for the second time in two months.
Ward was first arrested June 12 at his home in Magnolia, Texas, on a felony charge of assaulting a family/house member, impeding breath circulation. A woman called authorities and said Ward assaulted, strangled and threatened her. An emergency protective order was filed at the woman’s request. Ward was released after posting $30,000 bail.
On Thursday night, Ward was arrested after he tested positive for alcohol, which violated his previous release order. Ward spent the night in jail and was released from custody Friday.
The NFL is still reviewing Ward’s case under its personal conduct policy. Texans general manager Nick Caserio and coach DeMeco Ryans have both said they will let the legal process play out for Ward, who also is on the physically unable to perform list.
Mills brings veteran experience, having played nine seasons in the NFL after being a 2016 seventh-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles. After his four years in Philadelphia, he signed a four-year, $24 million contract with the New England Patriots in 2021. Mills spent last season with the New York Jets.
Mills has played in 115 career games (91 starts) and has 59 passes defended, 8 interceptions and 450 tackles.
