After his second arrest of this offseason, the Houston Texans could release veteran safety Jimmie Ward before the 2025 regular season begins. According to the breaking news, the former San Francisco 49er was arrested for violating his bail, which puts him in a bad spot if he wants a future in the league. Ward is set for court, August 13, and since the Texans would want to avoid any distractions outside of the field, it might be best to part ways with the veteran. Originally selected in the 2014 NFL Draft, the former Northern Illinois product spent the majority of his career with the 49ers before leaving to sign a two-year deal with the Texans.
It hasn’t been an exceptional campaign in Houston as Ward isn’t able to stay healthy, especially becoming unavailable for the rest of the 2025 regular season last year in December due to a foot injury. Ward is becoming a liability, and since CJ Gardner-Johnson hasn’t been able to stay healthy himself, they’ve been avoiding the thought of releasing Ward. If they had the depth to move on, they probably would head in that direction. However, it shouldn’t be surprising if the Texans wind up releasing Ward if he continues to cause off-field issues and can’t stay healthy.
Breaking: Texans May Release Former First Round Pick Jimmie Ward After Latest Arrest
Possible Next Teams
Kansas City Chiefs
If any NFL team in the league has been dealing with players who have off-field issues, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs. After losing Justin Reid this offseason, the Chiefs will be betting on Chamarri Conner, who is coming off an injury, and Bryan Cook. Even though they signed Mike Edwards for temporary relief, they could get Ward in the mix and reignite his career if he becomes a free agent to bolster the safety unit.
Los Angeles Chargers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers had one of the best secondaries last year, but it will look completely different with Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. The good news is that Derwin James Jr. and Alohi Gilman are returning, but James is getting older. Ward won’t drastically improve the safety unit, but his experience could set him apart from other talents that’s already on the Chargers.
Carolina Panthers
Even though the Carolina Panthers have a promising offense led by quarterback Bryce Young, they could use another upgrade in the secondary unit. Tre’Von Moehrig is probably one of the best signings for the Panthers in a long time during free agency, but they need another option alongside him. It’s hard to imagine Nick Scott is capable of keeping up with Moehrig, so Ward could fill the hole until the Panthers can find a new standout.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys need some type of life in the secondary to give them a fighting chance since Daron Bland and Trevon Diggs are dangling on a thread this upcoming 2025 campaign. Safety Donovan Wilson is on the hot seat himself this season as well, so it’s better to start looking for a veteran replacement sooner rather than later. Ward won’t last more than three years on an NFL team, but he could boost the Cowboys’ chances of having a solid secondary.
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