Texans Re-Sign Khalil Davis After Career-Best Season
HOUSTON -- When Khalil Davis first walked into NRG Stadium in August, he did so as a late addition to the Houston Texans' training camp roster. The deal marked a second chance for Davis, who spent the previous year revitalizing his career with the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL.
An impressive training camp and preseason outing led to the Texans signing Davis to their practice squad roster. But within the first quarter of the season, Houston wasted no time signing Davis to their 53-man roster.
On the heels of a career year, Davis re-signed with the Texans Saturday afternoon for a one-year deal, a source confirmed the news to TexansDaily.com.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) dives for a first down as Houston Texans defensive tackle Khalil Davis (94) attempts to make a tackle during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
"This season was nothing but a blessing, learning and growing," Davis told Texans Daily following Houston's postseason elimination in January. "To have a chance to prove myself and show that I can play at this level. It was a good year for me."
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Davis a sixth-round pick during the 2020 NFL Draft. Davis spent the first three years of his career trying to prove that he belonged on an NFL stage.
But three years later, he was out of the league. But instead of getting down on himself, Davis used his missteps as motivation.
Davis played a huge role in the success of Houston's defensive line during the 2023 season. He posted a career-best 32 tackles, six tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, and two sacks across 15 games.
During Houston's Wild Card victory over the Cleveland Browns, Davis recorded a season-high five tackles in the victory inside NRG Stadium. It marked his ninth game of the season with two or more tackles.
"Every year, you take what you did wrong and get better," Davis said. "I truly feel that this team is special. You have to come back with a hunger inside of you to be a little bit better."
Davis' goal entering the off-season was to build upon the foundation he established during his first season in Houston. Coming back stronger for Davis will give the Texans another prominent player to utilize as they try to move beyond the divisional round of the playoffs in 2024.
