Who Is E.J. Speed? What to Know About the Texans’ New Mega-Contract Linebacker Who’s Already Practiced With C.J. Stroud – Could Be One of the NFL’s Most Powerful Duos
April 02, 2025 – The Houston Texans have made waves in the NFL offseason by signing linebacker E.J. Speed to a one-year, $5 million contract, a move that has sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. Speed, a former Indianapolis Colts standout, now joins forces with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, creating what could become one of the NFL’s most dynamic duos. With Speed already practicing alongside Stroud, the Texans are positioning themselves as serious contenders for the 2025 season. This article explores who E.J. Speed is, his journey to Houston, and why his partnership with Stroud has the potential to reshape the Texans’ future.
Who Is E.J. Speed?
E.J. Speed is a 29-year-old linebacker who has spent the last six years carving out a reputation as a tenacious and versatile defender in the NFL. Born on June 1, 1995, in Fort Worth, Texas, Speed played college football at Tarleton State, a Division II program, where he showcased his athleticism and football IQ. Despite his small-school background, Speed’s talent was undeniable, leading to his selection by the Indianapolis Colts in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Speed’s early years in the NFL were marked by a gradual ascent. As a rookie, he appeared in 12 games but recorded just seven tackles, primarily contributing on special teams. His role expanded over the next few seasons, and by 2023, he had earned a starting spot alongside Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin. That year, Speed recorded 102 tackles, 12 tackles-for-loss, and a sack, proving he could handle the demands of a full-time starter. His breakout came in 2024, when he tallied a career-high 142 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, and an interception, playing 98% of the Colts’ defensive snaps.
Despite his productivity, the Colts did not re-sign Speed after the 2024 season, allowing him to hit free agency. The Houston Texans, led by head coach DeMeco Ryans, quickly swooped in, signing Speed to a one-year deal worth $5 million, with a $1.75 million signing bonus and up to $1 million in playtime incentives. The contract reflects the Texans’ belief in Speed’s ability to bolster their linebacker corps, which already includes talents like Azeez Al-Shaair, Henry To’oTo’o, and Christian Harris.
Why Speed Chose the Texans
Speed’s decision to join the Texans was influenced by several factors, chief among them being the opportunity to play under DeMeco Ryans, a former Pro Bowl linebacker who has a proven track record of developing elite defenders. Ryans, who previously coached linebackers like Fred Warner and Azeez Al-Shaair with the San Francisco 49ers, was a major draw for Speed. In a recent interview, Speed noted that Ryans’ defensive-minded approach and history of success at the linebacker position were key reasons for his decision to sign with Houston.
Another factor was the Texans’ clear ambition to chase a Super Bowl in 2025. The team has won the AFC South the past two seasons and made significant offseason moves, including extending cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and defensive end Danielle Hunter, trading for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and signing multiple defensive linemen. Speed, who has yet to win a championship, saw Houston as a place where he could achieve that goal. “Their goal is to go win a Super Bowl,” Speed said. “They’ve got a loaded team, and I want to be part of that.”
Speed’s Relationship With C.J. Stroud
One of the most intriguing aspects of Speed’s arrival in Houston is his pre-existing relationship with Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud. The two have a history of friendly banter, having faced off four times over the past two seasons when Speed was with the Colts. During that time, Speed was known for trash-talking Stroud, even joking on his podcast, The Trenches, that he planned to “mess C.J. up for the rest of his career.” However, Speed has since clarified that the trash talk was all in good fun, emphasizing that he and Stroud have a strong off-field relationship.
“I knew C.J. before he got into the league, actually,” Speed revealed. “Me and C.J. talk outside of football. We talk trash all the time, just two people who talk trash, that’s all that is.” Now that they’re on the same team, Speed and Stroud have already begun practicing together, and early reports suggest a growing chemistry between the defensive veteran and the young quarterback. This partnership could prove to be a game-changer for the Texans, combining Speed’s defensive prowess with Stroud’s offensive brilliance.
C.J. Stroud: The Rising Star
To understand why Speed and Stroud could form one of the NFL’s most powerful duos, it’s worth taking a closer look at Stroud’s meteoric rise. Selected second overall by the Texans in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest young talents. In his rookie season, he threw for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, leading the Texans to a division title and a playoff victory. His performance earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, and he set numerous records, including the most passing yards by a rookie in a single game (470) and the most pass attempts without an interception to start a career (191).
In 2024, Stroud continued to impress, throwing for over 4,000 yards again and leading the Texans to another AFC South title. Despite a Divisional Round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, Stroud’s poise, accuracy, and leadership have solidified his status as the cornerstone of the Texans’ franchise. At just 23 years old, he’s already one of the league’s top quarterbacks, and his $36.3 million rookie contract, which runs through 2027, ensures he’ll be in Houston for years to come.
Why Speed and Stroud Could Be a Powerhouse Duo
The pairing of Speed and Stroud has the potential to elevate the Texans to new heights. On the field, their complementary skill sets could create a balanced team capable of dominating both sides of the ball. Speed’s ability to generate turnovers—evidenced by his six career forced fumbles and recent interception—means he can get the ball back into Stroud’s hands quickly. As Speed himself put it, “I feel like if we get the ball back into C.J.’s hands, we can win games.” Stroud, with his pinpoint accuracy and ability to lead game-winning drives, is the perfect quarterback to capitalize on those opportunities.
Off the field, their camaraderie and competitive spirit could foster a winning culture within the Texans’ locker room. Speed’s veteran presence and relentless work ethic align perfectly with Stroud’s drive to succeed, and their shared history of trash-talking suggests a mutual respect that could translate into on-field chemistry. If Speed can anchor the defense while Stroud continues to light up the scoreboard, the Texans could become a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2025.
Challenges and Expectations
Of course, there are challenges ahead. Speed’s 2024 PFF grade of 56.7 ranked him 67th out of 84 eligible linebackers, largely due to struggles in pass coverage. He’ll need to improve in that area to become a true three-down player for the Texans. Meanwhile, Stroud has faced criticism for inconsistent performances against elite defenses, such as his 86-yard outing against the Green Bay Packers in 2024. For this duo to reach its full potential, both players will need to elevate their games.
Expectations are high, but Speed and Stroud seem ready to meet them. Speed has set a personal goal of making the Pro Bowl in 2025, while Stroud is determined to lead the Texans deeper into the playoffs. With a talented roster around them and a coach like DeMeco Ryans at the helm, the pieces are in place for something special in Houston.
Conclusion
E.J. Speed’s arrival in Houston marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Texans. As a proven linebacker with a knack for making plays, Speed brings much-needed depth and intensity to the defense. Paired with C.J. Stroud, one of the NFL’s most promising young quarterbacks, he has the chance to be part of a duo that could dominate the league for years to come. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on Speed and Stroud to see if they can live up to the hype and lead the Texans to a Super Bowl. For now, their partnership is off to a promising start, and Texans fans have every reason to be optimistic about what’s to come.
