The Houston Texans are adding a bit more depth to the defensive line before Thursday’s start of training camp.
According to KPC2 Sports, the Texans signed United Football League defensive end Malik Fisher. The details of the contract have not been released as of this time.
A standout pass rusher for the D.C. Defenders, Fisher finished second last season among UFL defenders with seven sacks. He also totaled 33 tackles, seven tackles for loss, three pass breakups and a forced fumble.
MALIK IS HEADED TO THE LEAGUE 🔥
Congratulations to Malik Fisher on signing with the Houston Texans! pic.twitter.com/TC7Pl4vlyh
— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) July 15, 2024
Given the ruling of the UFL, should Fisher not make the active 53-man roster, the Defenders retain his rights should he return to the UFL. Fisher is one of 12 players from the league to sign an NFL contract after last year’s inaugural season of the UFL.
Initially, the UFL was split into two different reincarnations of former alternative leagues. The United States Football League (USFL) consisted of eight teams, headlined by the Birmingham Stallions.
The XFL, which looked to be a potential mainstay in spring football before COVID-19 ceased operations, also consisted of eight teams, headlined by the San Antonio Brahmas and St. Louis Battlehawks.
Former Texans kicker Jake Bates was the first player to sign after hitting a 64-yard, walk-off game-winner in the Michigan Panthers’ season-opening victory over the Battlehawks. He agreed to a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
The Texans return to practice for the first time since OTAs on Thursday.