Former Clemson safety signs with Texans

Tony Crumpton by Assoc. Editor -

Former Clemson defensive back Marcus Gilchrist has signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans on Monday according to multiple reports. Gilchrist will be able to push for playing time as Houston's current starters at safety are Corey Moore and Andre Hal.

It's possible that the Texans will have former Tigers D.J. Reader, Carlos Watkins, and Marcus Gilchrist starting for their defense come the start of the season.

Gilchrist suffered a season-ending torn patella tendon injury against the San Francisco 49ers last season during a kickoff when his right knee buckled cutting on a non-contact situation and he was carted off the field. The New York Jets waived him about three months ago. However, he rehabbed his knee injury and was cleared last week as the Texans liked what they saw during his team visit last week.

In 2016 with the Jets, he had 55 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble this season. For his NFL career, he had 383 tackles, four forced fumbles, and ten interceptions.

The 29-year old was drafted by the Chargers in the second round (#50th overall pick) of the 2011 NFL draft.