The Houston Texans are adding some depth to their secondary, signing safety Kaevon Merriweather to the practice squad after he cleared waivers on Thursday. It’s a move that adds experience and versatility to a group that’s been quietly evolving throughout the season.
Merriweather, 25, has taken a winding road through the NFL since entering the league as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2023. After a brief stint with the Buccaneers, he spent time on the Lions’ practice squad before Tampa Bay brought him back to their active roster late in the 2024 season. He re-signed with the Bucs in 2025 as an exclusive rights free agent, but was waived recently-opening the door for Houston to bring him in.
In 2025, Merriweather suited up for 12 games with the Buccaneers, tallying eight total tackles, including one for a loss, and notching a safety. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, they hint at a player who can contribute in specific packages and on special teams-exactly the kind of depth piece that can make a difference late in the season.
Here’s how the Texans’ practice squad is shaping up now with Merriweather in the fold:
- C Eli Cox
- TE Luke Lachey
- DT Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi (International Pathway Program)
- DT Junior Tafuna
- WR Jared Wayne
- WR Josh Kelly
- OL Sidy Sow
- WR Quintez Cephus
- DT Marlon Davidson
- DB Alijah Huzzie
- TE Layne Pryor (Injured)
- DB K’Von Wallace
- DB Damon Arnette
- T Jaylon Thomas
- LB Xavier Thomas
- RB Jakob Johnson
- DB Brandon Hill
- DT Marcus Harris
- S Kaevon Merriweather
The Texans have been quietly stockpiling talent on their practice squad, and Merriweather brings a little bit of everything-college pedigree, professional experience, and special teams value. He’s not a headline-grabber, but in a league where depth can make or break a playoff push, he’s the kind of player who could find himself called up when it matters most.