Nov 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans safety Jimmie Ward (20) is introduced before playing against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

'His Contract Tolled': Houston Texans Cut 99-Game Starter

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics
By Jackson Loschko | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 11:14 PM ET

Houston Texans starting safety Jimmie Ward suffered a significant foot injury in December 2024, causing him miss the rest of the season and undergo offseason surgery. He was then arrested in June on allegations of third-degree felony domestic violence, and began the 2025 season on the commissioner’s exempt list. A Montgomery County grand jury declined to indict Ward, citing a lack of probable cause. He was removed from the exempt list in September, but the Texans subsequently placed him on the PUP list, where he remained for the rest of the year.

Because he was on the PUP list, Ward’s contract tolled (paused), meaning he is currently under contract for the 2026 season rather than hitting free agency. He is scheduled to earn a $2.75 million base salary, $2 million guaranteed, and a $2.75 million cap hit.

The Houston Texans cut a 99-game starter

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, the Texans plan to release Jimmie Ward after his contract tolled last season. As a result, the front office frees $750,000 while taking on $2 million in dead cap. Ward’s release leaves the defense with only three safeties under contract, including nickelback Jalen Pitre, Jaylen Reed, and Calen Bullock. M.J. Stewart and nickel/safety Myles Bryant are set to hit free agency in March, both as unrestricted free agents

#Texans plan to release veteran safety Jimmie Ward after his contract tolled last season on the reserve physically unable to perform list, and he was scheduled for a $2.75 million base salary in 2026, per a league source @KPRC2

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 3, 2026

A 6th-round pick could replace the 99-game starter

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) hauls in a pass while being heavily covered by Houston Texans safety Jaylen Reed (23) during the second half of the NFL Wild Card game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 12, 2026. © Michael Longo/For USA Today Network-PA / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jaylen Reed currently has the inside track to replace Jimmie Ward as the starting safety alongside Calen Bullock. The sixth-round pick missed ten games in his rookie season, including the first five due to a knee injury and the final five regular-season contests with a broken metal plate in his forearm from a prior surgery. Otherwise, Reed played in nine games and logged three starts, including two in the playoffs, where he totaled 19 tackles.

However, the Texans may bring in competition.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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