Dameon Pierce Waived by Texans, Top NFL Landing Spots for RB

The Houston Texans announced on Thursday that they have waived running back Dameon Pierce, the team's fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

In 42 games over four seasons, Pierce amassed 1,942 yards from scrimmage and nine touchdowns. The former Florida Gator's best season was his 2022 rookie campaign, when he had 1,104 total yards and five touchdowns in 13 games.

This season, Pierce has been the fourth running back on the depth chart behind rookie Woody Marks and veterans Nick Chubb and Dare Ogunbowale. He's had 10 carries for 26 rushing yards in four games played.

Pierce began his career with much promise, but he soon lost playing time to other backs, including Devin Singletary (in 2023) and Joe Mixon (in 2023 and 2024). His production waned as a result.

Pierce notably rushed for just 2.9 yards per carry in 2023, although that number rose to 7.3 YPC in 2024.

At this juncture, it's hard seeing Pierce latch onto a team and get meaningful playing time this late in the season given how the last few years have gone.

Pierce certainly has potential to be productive for an NFL team again, as evidenced by his 2022 rookie year. That was a few seasons ago, but Pierce is just 25 years old and only has 460 lifetime touches under his belt, including 52 in the past two seasons. In other words, he's young and fresh enough to make an impact and perhaps reclaim his past success.

Teams who have been shorthanded at running back this year should at least give Pierce a look and perhaps give him a chance on the practice squad at minimum.

For example, the Los Angeles Chargers have seen three running backs go on injured reserve in Omarion Hampton, Hassan Haskins and Najee Harris, the latter of whom is out for the season. Kimani Vidal is the current starter.

It's not entirely clear when Hampton and Haskins will be back.

Haskins was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 1 with a hamstring injury and will be out through at least Nov. 30 vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bolts could pick up Pierce and give him a shot for added depth, at least.

The Arizona Cardinals could be another team of interest. Trey Benson's 21-day practice window has been opened as he looks to return from a knee injury suffered in Week 4, but Emari Demercado is now out with a high ankle sprain. Arizona does have Bam Knight and Michael Carter, although the latter has struggled with 2.7 YPC.

A potential wild card is the Kansas City Chiefs, who are surprisingly fighting for the playoffs at just 5-5. The Chiefs' run game has been OK at best this year with Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Brashard Smith behind an offensive line that has seen better days. Pacheco has notably missed time with a knee injury but appears ready to return this Sunday vs. the Indianapolis Colts.

Mike Luciano of Arrowhead Addict advocated for the Chiefs to take a look, writing in part on Thursday:

"Pierce, if nothing else, has more wiggle than Hunt and power than Pacheco while showing he can hold his own as a pass-protecting back.

"Going from Nick Caley, whom Texans fans are ready to personally fly out of town, to Andy Reid might be the schematic upgrade and fresh coat of paint the former Florida star needs to get his career back on the right path as soon as possible."

We'll see if any NFL teams take a look soon enough with Pierce now available.