Houston Texans Sign 2 Popular Wide Receivers With Over 8,000 Combined Yards
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
The Houston Texans are adding veteran help at wide receiver. Sources confirm the team is signing Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones. Both players impressed during a workout on Friday.
The moves come after the season-ending injury to second-year receiver Jayden Higgins. Higgins tore his ACL in a joint practice earlier this week. The team placed him on injured reserve.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported the news on Friday. Both players “impressed” during their workout, earning a contract with the AFC South franchise.
The #Texans are signing veteran WRs Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones, sources tell me and @RapSheet. Both impressed in a workout today and join the mix in Houston after the loss of Jayden Higgins to a torn ACL. pic.twitter.com/oYlmSVJ4BT
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 21, 2026
Houston Texans Fill Void Left by Higgins
Higgins showed promise as a rookie. He recorded 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, he offered size opposite Nico Collins. His absence created an immediate need for depth.
Shepard brings experience from previous stops. Jones has bounced around the league and offers versatility. The pair joins a group that still includes Tank Dell, Xavier Hutchinson and Jaylin Noel.
Coach DeMeco Ryans previously described the Higgins injury as a significant loss. The Houston Texans moved quickly to address the situation with proven veterans who can contribute right away.
Before signing Shepard and Jones, the Texans were linked with New England Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte and Baltimore Ravens’ Rashod Bateman. However, a move for either would likely command a high price in a potential trade. Hence, the Texans turned to free agency and brought in two seasoned players.
Houston Texans Continue Evaluating Options
The free-agent signings provide a lower-cost alternative for now.
The Houston Texans enter the season with high expectations. C.J. Stroud leads an offense that aims to contend. Adding reliable depth at receiver helps stabilize the unit after the unexpected setback.
Both new arrivals will compete for snaps in the coming weeks. The Houston Texans have acted decisively to keep their receiving group intact ahead of the regular season.
