The Houston Texans are making strategic moves to strengthen their roster, addressing one of their weaker areas by signing tight end Chris Myarick to their practice squad. According to Aaron Wilson, this decision follows a successful workout, giving the 28-year-old a new opportunity to prove his value in the NFL. Myarick, who has had a somewhat nomadic career, brings experience and depth to a position that the Texans are looking to improve.
Myarick’s journey to the Texans has been a long and winding road, starting with his entry into the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Coming out of Temple University in 2019, Myarick was initially signed by the Miami Dolphins. Despite not making the Dolphins’ 53-man roster, the team saw potential in him and added him to their practice squad. His time with the Dolphins, however, did not pan out as hoped. While he signed a futures deal with Miami in the offseason, which generally signals that a team is interested in developing a player for the future, he was waived before the 2020 season could begin.
This was only the beginning of Myarick’s NFL journey, which would see him move between several teams in a relatively short period. After leaving the Dolphins, the New York Giants picked him up and signed him to their practice squad. This marked the beginning of a productive, if inconsistent, stint with the Giants. Myarick was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, demonstrating his ability to adapt and contribute when called upon. Despite this, he was waived in January 2021 as the Giants made roster adjustments following the conclusion of their season.
Not long after his release from the Giants, Myarick found a new home with the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed him to their practice squad. However, his stay in Cincinnati was brief, as he returned to the Giants in 2022 on a futures contract. This second stint with the Giants would prove to be one of the more stable periods in Myarick’s career. He appeared in 16 games for New York during the 2022 season, providing depth at the tight end position and contributing modestly to the offense. In total, Myarick caught seven passes for 65 yards and one touchdown that season. While these numbers may not jump off the stat sheet, his ability to stay healthy and available for an entire season showed his durability and commitment.
Despite his contributions, Myarick’s tenure with the Giants came to an end late in the 2022 season. The team waived him but later re-signed him to the practice squad as they sought to maintain depth at the tight end position. Myarick’s role with the Giants was often one of a utility player, filling in when needed and performing solidly on special teams, a trait that undoubtedly made him an appealing option for the Texans.
After being waived by the Giants again, Myarick briefly found himself with the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him in August 2023. However, his time with the Jaguars was short-lived, as he was released following the preseason as part of the team’s roster cuts. This brought Myarick back onto the free-agent market, where the Texans spotted an opportunity to bring in a player with NFL experience and versatility.
For the Texans, the signing of Chris Myarick is a low-risk, high-reward move. At 28 years old, he still has several productive years ahead of him, and his experience across multiple teams suggests that he can step into various roles if needed. The Texans, who have been looking to bolster their tight end group, may see Myarick as a player who can provide depth, contribute on special teams, and step up in specific offensive packages. Given his ability to contribute in different phases of the game, Myarick’s addition to the practice squad could prove valuable as the Texans navigate the challenges of the regular season.
Houston’s decision to bring Myarick into the fold also highlights their ongoing efforts to build a competitive roster while staying within the salary cap. As a practice squad player, Myarick will have the chance to prove himself during practices, and if he performs well, there’s always the possibility that he could be elevated to the active roster later in the season. For a team looking to fill gaps and find contributors who can make an impact, Myarick fits the bill.
In conclusion, Chris Myarick’s journey to the Houston Texans is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. While he has yet to solidify himself as a key player in the NFL, his experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to Houston’s practice squad. If given the opportunity, Myarick has the potential to contribute to a Texans team that is focused on building a stronger, more competitive roster for the future.
