Texans Release Veteran Safety Jimmie Ward

The move comes shortly before the start of free agency.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Houston Texans have released veteran safety Jimmie Ward, according to reports. Ward had been with the Texans for the past two seasons but faced injury and legal issues that led to his release.

Why it matters

The Texans are clearing cap space ahead of free agency, and Ward's release is part of a larger roster overhaul under new head coach DeMeco Ryans. The team has already made other moves, including trading for Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and drafting S Jaylen Reed.

The details

Ward, 32, started 10 games for the Texans in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons but suffered a season-ending foot injury in 2024. In 2025, he was placed on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt list after being arrested on a felony assault charge, though he was later cleared by a grand jury. The Texans are now voiding Ward's $2.75 million base salary for the upcoming season.

  • Ward was placed on the Commissioner Exempt list in August 2025.
  • Ward was taken off the Commissioner Exempt list in September 2025.

The players

Jimmie Ward

A 32-year-old veteran safety who spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans.

DeMeco Ryans

The head coach of the Houston Texans, who is overseeing a roster overhaul.

Nick Caserio

The general manager of the Houston Texans, who has made several roster moves this offseason.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A safety acquired by the Texans in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jaylen Reed

A safety drafted by the Texans in the 6th round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“Any shavings of cap space the Texans front office can scrape from the rinds of the roster will be harvested for future contracts, and Ward was an easy target.”

— fizzyjoe, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Texans will look to continue clearing cap space ahead of free agency, with running back Joe Mixon and wide receiver Justin Watson as potential next moves.

The takeaway

The Texans' release of Jimmie Ward is part of a larger roster overhaul under new head coach DeMeco Ryans, as the team looks to create cap space and build for the future.