Texans Sign WR/KR Nikko Remigio

After going undrafted out of Fresno State in 2023, Remigio signed with the Chiefs and went on to spend his first three-plus seasons in the organization. Even though Remigio had been the Chiefs’ primary returner since 2024, they cut him on Wednesday to open up a roster spot for newly acquired receiver Josh Downs.

The 5-foot-9, 187-pound Remigio has taken back 52 kicks in his career and averaged 26.0 yards per runback, including 26.5 on 12 returns this year. As a punt returner, he owns a 7.5-yard average on 50 tries, though he’s down to a personal-worst 5.6 on 14 attempts this season. Remigio’s greatest contributions in Kansas City likely came during the team’s run to an AFC title in 2004. He took back a kick 61 yards in a divisional-round win over the Texans and then added a 41-yard punt return in a conference championship game triumph against the Bills.

Second-year receiver Jaylin Noel has been the Texans’ No. 1 returner for most of the season, but he went on IR with a turf toe injury after Week 7. Noel isn’t expected to return this season. In Noel’s absence last week, cornerback Tremon Smith served as the Texans’ primary returner in a 44-22 blowout of the Chargers. They now have another experienced option in Remigio. He is unlikely to factor in much as a receiver, though, having caught just three passes in the pros. Remigio only played two offensive snaps this year before the Chiefs waived him.