Ex-Giants Safety Michael Thomas, Texans Reportedly Agree to Contract

The Houston Texans reportedly signed veteran safety Michael Thomas on Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. 

Thomas, 30, appeared in 16 games (two starts) for the New York Giants last season, registering 47 tackles (three for loss) and three passes defended. 

Thomas began his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins (2013-17) and started 13 games for the Fins in 2015, though he's started sporadically since then, getting eight starts in total for the Giants over the past two years. 

He was selected to the 2018 Pro Bowl as a special teams replacement for Cory Littleton, however. 

In Houston, it's likely Thomas will be utilized primarily on special teams. He'll offer depth at safety behind Tashuan Gipson and Justin Reid, though the Texans also have A.J. Moore, Eric Murray and Jaylen Watkins available at the position.

Per ESPN, "Gipson started 14 games for the Texans last season after signing a three-year deal in 2019, but in his pre-draft press conference, Texans coach Bill O'Brien did not mention Gipson when talking about the safeties."

"Safety is another position I think we can add to," O'Brien noted.

Granted, Texans fans would have probably gotten far more excited if the team had acquired the Michael Thomas who stars at wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, especially after the team traded away DeAndre Hopkins this offseason and replaced him with Brandin Cooks.

No dice. Texans fans will have to be content with the Michael Thomas who offers special teams help and safety depth instead.