The Houston Texans continue to reshape their practice squad as the regular season winds down, announcing a trio of additions: linebacker Power Echols, defensive tackle Leki Fotu, and safety Kaevon Merriweather. In a corresponding move, the team released cornerbacks Damon Arnette and Marcus Harris, along with safety Brandon Hill.
Let’s start with the most experienced of the new signings - Leki Fotu. The 27-year-old defensive tackle brings a solid mix of size, strength, and NFL reps to the Texans' interior line depth.
Originally a fourth-round pick by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2020 NFL Draft, Fotu came out of Utah with a reputation for being a disruptive presence in the trenches. He played out his rookie contract in Arizona, a four-year deal worth just over $4 million, which included a $773,470 signing bonus.
After hitting free agency for the first time in 2024, Fotu had short stints with the Jets and Raiders. He signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas this past offseason but was waived in early December.
Still, he managed to carve out a role during his time in silver and black - appearing in six games, starting four of them, and notching eight tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack. Those aren’t Pro Bowl numbers, but they show he can contribute in rotational snaps, particularly against the run.
For a Texans team that’s been dealing with injuries and searching for consistency up front, Fotu is the kind of veteran presence who can plug in quickly if called upon. He’s not just another body - he’s a player who’s been in real NFL battles and knows what it takes to hold his ground in the trenches.
Joining Fotu is linebacker Power Echols, a name that certainly jumps off the page. While he’s still early in his NFL journey, Echols brings a high-motor, high-energy style of play that fits well with what the Texans have been building on defense. He’ll get a chance to develop in a system that values speed and versatility at the second level.
Rounding out the trio is safety Kaevon Merriweather, another developmental piece with upside. Merriweather brings physicality and special teams potential, two traits that often earn players extended looks in December and January.
To make room for the new additions, the Texans parted ways with three practice squad players: cornerbacks Damon Arnette and Marcus Harris, and safety Brandon Hill. Arnette, a former first-round pick, has had a winding road through the league, and this move marks another chapter in his attempt to get back on track. Hill and Harris also exit as the Texans continue to refine the back end of their roster.
Practice squad moves don’t always make headlines, but this set of transactions reflects a front office that’s constantly evaluating talent and looking for the right mix - not just for this season, but for what lies ahead. With playoff positioning and roster flexibility in mind, Houston is staying active and intentional with its personnel decisions.