Once a bright spark in Houston, this former Texans running back inks a new deal, aiming to reignite his career with a fresh opportunity.
The Houston Texans were never supposed to be in the spot the franchise is currently in. Back in 2022, when the team was competing for a top-three pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the fan base probably would have called you crazy had you told them they would win a playoff game in each of the next three seasons. That is where Houston finds itself, as the decision-makers are looking to put together the final pieces to become a legitimate Super Bowl contender in 2026.
The Texans are looking to improve as an organization and reach their first AFC Championship Game in franchise history, but it is important to remember the players who laid the foundation for the current roster. One player that should not be forgotten is running back Dameon Pierce, as he was a pleasant surprise during the 2022 season, running for nearly 1,000 yards.
Pierce spent three seasons and some change with the Texans before being waived about halfway through the 2025 season. He was picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs for the remainder of the season, but he hit free agency during the 2026 offseason. On Thursday, it was announced that the former Texans running back would be signing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
When the franchise was at one of its lowest points in 2022, Pierce brought some excitement. He started 13 games during his rookie year and ran for 939 yards and 4 touchdowns, while also recording 165 receiving yards and a score.
Pierce was not a highly regarded prospect coming out of Florida, but Houston selected him with the 107th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. He never quite had the same opportunities as he did during his rookie season. In 2023, he had nearly 100 fewer carries, and they weren't particularly efficient, as he averaged just 2.9 yards per carry for 416 yards and 2 scores.
He played in just 11 games during his third season in 2024, and 2025 was the end of his time as a Texan, as he carried the ball just 10 times before being waived during the 2025 season. He didn't make much of an impact in Kansas City, either.
Now, Pierce is getting another shot in Philadelphia. He joins a backfield that includes Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley; maybe he can carve out a role for himself on special teams to make the final roster.