Texans sign WRs Sterling Shepard, Zay Jones

The Houston Texans signed veteran wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Zay Jones on Friday, August 21, 2026, immediately following a workout. The moves address a significant need created by the season-ending knee injury to second-year receiver Jayden Higgins. According to multiple reports, the team placed Higgins on injured reserve after he tore his ACL during a joint practice earlier in the week.

The signings were confirmed by NFL insiders and followed workouts with Shepard, Jones, and Josh Reynolds. Coach DeMeco Ryans had described Higgins' injury as a significant loss. The team moved quickly to free agency to add depth rather than explore the trade market, where potential targets like Kayshon Boutte and Rashod Bateman were said to carry a higher price.

Higgins, a second-round pick in the 2025 draft, had shown promise as a rookie, recording 41 catches for 525 yards and six touchdowns. At 6-foot-4, he provided a size complement to star receiver Nico Collins. Offensive coordinator Nick Caley had praised Higgins' development and versatility before his injury. His absence forced Houston to act to stabilize its receiving corps for quarterback C.J. Stroud.