The Texans bolster their receiving corps with two veteran wideouts following Jayden Higgins' season-ending injury
Category: Sports
The Houston Texans have signed wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones to one-year contracts following their workouts on August 21, 2026. The move comes in the aftermath of Jayden Higgins suffering a season-ending torn ACL, which has left the Texans in need of veteran depth at the wide receiver position.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, both Shepard and Jones will compete for roster spots as the Texans look to fill the void left by Higgins. The team is also exploring additional options in the trade market, but the addition of these two experienced players strengthens their receiving corps in the short term.
Higgins, a second-year wideout, had shown promise during his rookie season, posting 41 receptions for 525 yards and six touchdowns. His injury leaves a noticeable gap in the Texans' offensive strategy, prompting the team to seek immediate reinforcements. Quarterback C.J. Stroud expressed the difficulty of replacing Higgins, saying, “You can’t just replace a guy like that. He’s a heck of a talent, somebody who came into this league and made plays already early in his career.”
Shepard, who was a second-round pick by the New York Giants in 2016, has had a notable career, primarily with the Giants before spending the last two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 2025, he appeared in 13 games, making 39 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown. Known for his route-running and ability to navigate through defenses, Shepard brings veteran experience to a young Texans squad.
Meanwhile, Zay Jones, also a former second-round pick, has bounced around several teams, including the Bills, Raiders, Jaguars, and most recently, the Cardinals. In 2025, he caught 12 passes for 183 yards in eight games. Jones has a reputation for being a depth receiver capable of stepping up when needed, having led his team in targets at least once each season since 2017.
The Texans’ decision to sign Shepard and Jones comes after they made exploratory trade calls to bolster their receiving group. Sources indicated that the Texans were targeting players like Kayshon Boutte from the New England Patriots and Rashod Bateman from the Baltimore Ravens, but opted for the free agency route with the signings of Shepard and Jones after their workouts.
Higgins’ injury marks a challenging turn for the Texans, who have seen their receiving corps plagued by injuries. Alongside star receiver Nico Collins, the team is also managing the uncertain status of Tank Dell, who is recovering from a serious knee injury. With Higgins out, the Texans now rely on a mix of established players and younger talent to fill the gaps in their offense.
Shepard’s career has been marked by both impressive performances and challenges with injuries. After a strong start with the Giants, he faced setbacks, including a season-ending injury in 2022. His time with the Buccaneers saw him step up in the absence of other key players, making him a valuable addition to the Texans as they navigate their current roster challenges.
As the Texans prepare for their upcoming preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers on August 25, both Shepard and Jones will have the opportunity to showcase their skills and secure a position on the roster. The Texans must finalize their 53-man roster by August 30, which adds urgency to their evaluation of the new signings.
With the Texans facing a tough season ahead, the integration of Shepard and Jones into the offensive scheme will be closely monitored. Their experience and familiarity with high-pressure situations could prove beneficial as the team seeks to maintain competitiveness in the AFC South.
As the preseason progresses, the Texans will continue to assess their options, including potential trades and additional signings. The situation remains fluid, and both Shepard and Jones will need to demonstrate their value to the coaching staff in the coming days.
In the meantime, the Texans are focused on maximizing their current roster as they look to bounce back from Higgins’ injury and make a strong showing in the upcoming season. The team’s commitment to strengthening its receiving corps reflects a proactive approach to addressing immediate needs and preparing for the challenges ahead.