The Houston Texans were left scrambling and forced to make a move.
With C.J. Gardner-Johnson out, they had to move fast to find another veteran.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the team will sign DB Jalen Mills to a one-year contract.
Sources: The #Texans are signing veteran DB Jalen Mills (@AdamSchefter first).
Mills is going into his 10th season having played for the Eagles, Patriots and Jets. He has 91 career starts and 8 INTs. pic.twitter.com/9rapUGXX8W
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 10, 2025
Mills previously played for the Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots, and New York Jets, and he’ll give DeMeco Ryans another veteran behind rookie Jaylen Reed.
Gardner-Johnson still has a chance to be ready to suit up for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams.
That didn’t seem possible when he sustained a lower-leg injury during drills, but it looks like his injury wasn’t as bad as initially reported.
Mills is a nine-year veteran with plenty of experience under his belt.
The LSU product spent five years with the Eagles before signing with the Patriots.
Then, he joined Robert Saleh’s defense in New York, so the similarity with the Texans’ system should help.
While Gardner-Johnson is expected to return, Mills gives this team a huge insurance policy, given all the uncertainty regarding Jimmie Ward.
Mills has logged more than 100 appearances (91 starts), and he’s registered 450 tackles, 59 passes defended, and eight interceptions.
The Texans’ secondary is stout, but you can never have too much depth and talent when you’re looking to make some noise and prove the doubters wrong.
NEXT: Texans Receive Discouraging Injury News About C.J. Gardner-Johnson