The Houston Texans have signed defensive end Chris Braswell to their practice squad as they seek to bolster their defensive depth. Braswell, a former five-star recruit from Alabama, had a challenging stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being selected in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
During his time at Alabama, Braswell recorded eight sacks and ten tackles for loss, stepping in for Will Anderson Jr. as the Jack linebacker. However, his transition to the NFL was not as successful, as he struggled to find a consistent role in Tampa Bay, where he recorded only two and a half sacks over two seasons.
After missing parts of the preseason and facing stiff competition from teammates, Braswell was released by the Buccaneers, indicating their lack of confidence in his abilities. His release came after the team drafted Ruben Bain in the first round, further diminishing his chances of making the roster.
Now with the Texans, Braswell reunites with former Alabama teammate Will Anderson Jr. and Logan Hall, who also played in Tampa Bay. He will focus on developing his skills as the team's sole defensive end on the practice squad, particularly as the Texans deal with injuries at the position.
Braswell's experience as an outside linebacker will be put to the test in Houston's 4-3 defensive scheme, which requires him to set the edge and rush the passer more effectively. The Texans view this as a high-upside opportunity, hoping that Braswell can refine his skills and fulfill the potential he showed in college.
