Former Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines re-signs with Houston Texans

Former Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Phillip Gaines has re-signed for one more year with the Houston Texans.

The Houston Texans have decided they saw enough of Phillip Gaines in 2019 to bring him back for another year—despite having only played six games due to a season-ending injury. Terms of the new deal are not yet known.

Gaines signed with the Texans last season shortly after the year started when the Cleveland Browns decided to release him with an injury settlement. The Browns had placed Gaines on injured reserve with a concussion just one week prior as they attempted to pare down their final roster. The Texans then signed Gaines and released Aaron Colvin.

Gaines played in six total games for the Texans before being injured again and placed on Houston’s IR in late October. Gaines had 13 total tackles, including 1 for a loss, and 2 passes defended in that span, which included two starts.

Gaines entered the NFL as a third round pick of the Kansas City Chiefs back in the 2014 NFL Draft. A Rice product, Gaines was electrifying in speed drills at the NFL Combine as he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds. He also came in as a first-team All Conference USA performer and his school’s all time leader in passes defended with 38.

In four seasons in K.C., however, Gaines was unable to carve out significant playing time for himself due to inconsistent play and injuries. He’d earn the occasional start, but the Chiefs made no overtures to re-sign him once his rookie deal had expired after the 2017 season. In four years, he played in 41 games in K.C. (19 starts) and 152 total tackles and 1 interception in that span.