The Houston Texans continue to be one of the more active teams in free agency this offseason,with KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson relaying that the organization will be signing wide receiver and return specialist Steven Sims.
Sims, at the very least, is poised to take over the kick return duties in Houston for 2023. He could also carve out an offensive niche with the Texans, though just how large of a role he might play as a receiver does not figure to clarify until August camp.
A former undrafted free agent out of Kansas in 2019, Sims signed with Washington and made the team's initial 53-man roster as a rookie. His first year in the league was his strongest on the offensive side of the ball. He finished the 2019-20 campaign having posted a 34-310-4 receiving line.
The versatile rookie weapon added nine rush attempts for 85 yards and a touchdown on the ground while showing off his proficiency in the return game, fielding 32 kickoffs for 819 yards and a touchdown -- that score coming on a 91-yard return. In 2020-21, his offensive and kick return production did diminish, though he shouldered an increased workload returning punts.
Sims was released by Washington just prior to the 2021-22 season, spent six days with the Bills before getting released (again) in final roster cuts and was eventually signed to the Steelers’ practice squad. While he appeared in only one game with Pittsburgh that season, Sims found his way back to the field during the past campaign, when he appeared in 12 games with a pair of starts.
His versatility was on full display for the campaign. He only had 104 receiving yards but chipped in with 70 yards on the ground, too, while spending equal time returning both punts and kicks, totaling 19 punt returns and 17 kickoff returns.
Sims projects as a depth piece offensively in Houston. The Texans receiving group figures to be led by Robert Woods, Nico Collins and Noah Brown, with John Metchie, Amari Rodgers and others competing for snaps behind them. Houston needed a new kick-return man after cornerback Tremon Smith signed a deal with the Broncos this spring, the Texans needed a new kick returner. That’s where Sims comes into play. While the team utilized cornerback Desmond King on punt returns last season, Sims could loosen that load by degrees, freeing up King to focus more on defense.
Sims probably does not figure to have fans chanting “MVP” this coming season, but he fills an immediate need on the Texans roster. With his versatility, Sims makes for a low-risk, high-reward signing, providing Houston with the returner they need and perhaps offering a touch of upside as a Swiss Army knife on offense.
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