HOUSTON — Bradley Roby will make his return to the field on Sunday after serving a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. But instead of suiting up for the Houston Texans at FirstEnergy Stadium, Roby will make his return as a member of the New Orleans Saints during a road game against the Carolina Panthers.
Roby’s debut for the Saints will come nearly two weeks after the Texans traded the 29-year-old defensive back to New Orleans in exchange for a 2022 3rd-round pick and a conditional pick in 2023.
“I was happy,” Roby said during his media availability on Thursday. “As soon as I heard the Saints, I started to think about all the guys that I know here. As soon as I heard New Orleans, I was like ‘man what a blessing — we are playing for something here.’ It’s not that Houston isn’t playing for anything. But it’s just a different level right now.”
Roby said his excitement to join the Saints is more about having another opportunity to play for a Super Bowl contending team. Roby won his lone Super Bowl ring in 2015 as a member of the Denver Broncos and said he has been trying to get another one ever since.
Roby described his first trade experience in the NFL as weird, but acknowledged that life is all about change.
“I know it’s a part of the game, and I know it helps both teams,” he said. “I kinda just go with the flow. Like Bruce Lee — flow like water. And that’s how I am taking it.”
Before his departure to New Orleans, Roby spoke on the positive culture the Texans created during training camp — which had him thrilled about the upcoming season in Houston.
After beginning his career with the Broncos in 2014, Roby signed with Houston on a one-year deal in 2019. A successful first year with the Texans awarded him a three-year contract in 2020 worth $36 million. Due to the trade, the Texans will save close to $19 million in cap space over the next two seasons.
As a member of the Texans, Roby recorded 15 pass deflections and three interceptions while allowing 62.3 percent of passes thrown into his coverage to be completed.