The Houston Texans are slowly making moves to retain players on expiring contracts.
According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the Texans are re-signing former Cleveland Browns running back Dontrell Hilliard, who played in two games for Houston in the 2020 season.
Hilliard did not take a single carry nor was he targeted in the passing game. However, the 5-11, 202-pound running back returned five kicks for 104 yards, a 20.8 yards per kickoff return average.
On Dec. 16, 2020, then-interim coach Romeo Crennel explained why the team signed Hilliard.
“Basically, a third-down back who’s been a returner,” Crennel said. “Has some quickness, change of direction. Has an opportunity to be more productive maybe in the kickoff return area and then in the third down area as a third-down back out of the backfield.”
Hilliard also provides depth at the position as the Texans continue to tinker with their roster in preparation for the 2021 campaign.