Texans Releasing S Jimmie Ward

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - DECEMBER 21: Jimmie Ward #20 of the Houston Texans runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on December 21, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

And you thought today's news was over? Think again! ESPN's Adam Schefter just reported that the Houston Texans have released S Jimmie Ward

Sources: The Texans will be releasing veteran safety Jimmie Ward.

Houston will save $750K on their salary cap. pic.twitter.com/ckz5CZNnvI

- Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 3, 2026

According to KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the Texans now void Ward's base salary of $2.75 million.

#Texans plan to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward after his contract tolled last season on the reserve physically unable to perform list, and he was scheduled for a $2.75 million base salary in 2026, per a league source @KPRC2

- Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 3, 2026

A veteran signing at the beginning of head coach DeMeco Ryans' tenure, Ward would start 10 games at safety in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, but had his second year cut short by a season-ending foot injury that required surgery. In June 2025, Jimmie Ward was arrested and faced a felony assault charge stemming from alleged family violence, resulting in his placement on the NFL's Commissioner Exempt list in August. He was taken off that list in September after a grand jury decided not to indict him, but Ward remained on the Texans' Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list for the rest of the 2025 season.

In his 20 Games with the Houston Texans, Ward tallied:

• 98 Tackles, 5 TFLs
• 7 Pass Deflections
• 1 Forced Fumble
• 3 Interceptions for 65 yards
• 1 Interception returned for a Touchdown

Ward's injury in late 2024 and subsequent significant legal issues made him an unlikely member of 2025's starting cast, and some of general manager Nick Caserio's moves last offseason made it clear Houston was ready to turn the page. Trading for Eagles' safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and drafting S Jaylen Reed in the 6th round were the first steps towards moving on, and S Calen Bullock's improvement sealed the deal. 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.

Being released by #Texans, veteran safety Jimmie Ward plans to contemplate whether to continue playing football. Taking classes this offseason @KPRC2https://t.co/C8Wj77hK7L

- Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 3, 2026

Who's next? Caserio traded RT/G Tytus Howard to the Cleveland Browns and sent C/G Juice Scruggs and a few draft picks to the Detroit Lions in exchange for RB David Montgomery, effectively clearing up more cap space whilst bringing in talent on a weak spot of the roster. If he wants to open more room for the impending free agency - where many (including me) are hoping for Houston to be big spenders - then he'll need to make a few more moves. RB Joe Mixon, anyone? Maybe...WR Justin Watson? Let us know who you think is next down in the comments below!

GO TEXANS!!!