The Houston Texans have signed cornerback/return specialist Desmond King to their practice squad.
The Houston Texans defensive back started his career in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Desmond King in the 5th round, 151st overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. He signed a 4-year, $2,679,992 rookie contract with a $279,992 signing bonus and $279,992 guaranteed.
King entered his rookie season in competition with Trevor Williams for the nickelback spot. Williams won the starting spot, but King won the kick return job. Jason Verrett suffered a torn ACL in the season-opener, and King got significant playing time for the rest of the season. He had 76 tackles, six for loss, four sacks, one interception for a touchdown, and five pass deflections. He also had 17 kick returns for 353 yards.
King rose to the nickelback spot after Verrett tore his Achilles on the first day of training camp. He had 62 tackles, four for loss, three interceptions, one pick-six, ten pass deflections, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries. He also had 22 kick returns for 522 yards, 23 punt returns for 318 yards, and one punt return for a touchdown. He was named to the 2018 All-Pro team as a defensive back.
King had 51 tackles, four for loss, 2.5 sacks, two pass deflections, one forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in his third season. He also had 16 kick returns for 331 yards 21 punt returns for 118 yards, and one punt return touchdown.
King appeared in the first six games of the season with Los Angeles. He had 24 tackles and one sack.
The Los Angeles Chargers traded Desmond King to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round pick. He appeared in nine games, recording 31 tackles, two for loss, one sack, two pass deflections, and one fumble recovery for a touchdown.
King signed with a new team during the 2021 offseason
The Houston Texans signed King to 1-year, $3 million extension during the 2021 offseason. He had 93 tackles, one for loss, three interceptions, six pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He also had 17 punt returns for 154 yards.
King signed a 2-year, $7 million contract extension during the 2022 offseason. He had 89 tackles, ten for loss, two interceptions, eight pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He also had 33 punt returns for 309 yards.
Houston released King during roster cuts on August 28, 2023.
King had a brief stint with Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed King on August 31. He had four kick returns for 88 yards. Pittsburgh released him on October 18.
What now?
King brings experience and depth to the Texans’ practice squad. If a cornerback gets injured, he’s their guy. There is also a possibility he returns kicks this season. Houston doesn’t have a clear-cut kick returner on the team.
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