Another member of the 2023 Houston Texans defense will not return this year.
Slot cornerback Tavierre Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to KPRC’s 2 Aaron Wilson.
#Buccaneers signing former #Texans corner Tavierre Thomas, per a league source @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 18, 2024
Thomas joins Jonathan Greenard, Blake Cashman, Maliek Collins and Sheldon Rankings as offseason departures from the defense. Houston re-signed Desmond King as a slot corner, who took over after Thomas ended his season on injured reserve.
The recently turned 28-year-old started 19 games in three seasons with the Texans. While in Houston, Thomas proved to be a reliable starting option. He allowed just three touchdowns while intercepting two passes and breaking up six.
Last season proved to be the most challenging. After playing in the first two games, Thomas missed the next five with a broken hand he suffered in a Week 2 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. He was a healthy scratch in Weeks 5 and 6.
Thomas returned after the bye week against the Buccaneers and recorded the second-most tackles on the team. From Weeks 8 to 12, Thomas received consistent playing time, but his performance led to him seeing a decrease in snaps when King joined the team.
By Week 13, he primarily contributed on special teams but suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 14.
Before arriving in Houston, Thomas played three seasons as a special teams player with the Cleveland Bowns. He’ll have a chance to compete for a starting role on defense in Tampa Bay. For his career, Thomas recorded 225 tackles, two interceptions and six forced fumbles.