In a surprising move just as the 2024 NFL season looms closer, the Houston Texans have made a strategic acquisition by signing former BYU Cougar quarterback, Kedon Slovis, to their practice squad. This addition adds depth to their quarterback arsenal as they finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
Slovis, who previously had stints with USC and Pittsburgh before making his mark with BYU, brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Texans. During his time at USC, Slovis set a freshman record with 3,502 passing yards, accompanied by 30 touchdowns and nine interceptions. His versatility and skill have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his impressive career stats of 1,689 passing yards and 80 touchdowns over five seasons at the NCAA level.
Despite going undrafted this offseason, Slovis caught the attention of the Colts, where he completed 16 of 22 passes for 149 yards during the preseason. However, he found himself in a crowded quarterback lineup in Indianapolis, with second-year standout Anthony Richardson expected to lead the team. With veteran Joe Flacco and Sam Ehlinger securing backup spots, the door opened for Slovis to explore other opportunities.
Chad Porto of the Toro Times acknowledges Slovis’ potential, stating, “Despite his up-and-down college career, he isn’t without upside. He has a big arm and can nail receivers downfield. He’s shown to be a gunslinger at times and isn’t afraid to take shots. He’s not just a big arm, as he’s incredibly athletic.” Slovis’s athleticism is further highlighted by his impressive 4.55 40-yard dash time, making him a dual-threat force on the field.
While the DC Defenders of the UFL expressed interest in Slovis, it seems his future lies in the NFL, at least for the time being. Houston’s decision to sign Slovis adds an intriguing dynamic to their quarterback lineup as they gear up for the season opener against the Colts.
With a 10-7 record in 2023 and finishing first in the AFC South, Houston is poised to make a statement in the upcoming season. Armed with offseason acquisitions like Joe Mixon, Cam Akers, and Stefon Diggs, the Texans are looking to build on last year’s playoff run. Quarterback CJ Stroud, coming off his Rookie of the Year campaign, now has a formidable supporting cast to lead the team to greater heights in the pursuit of Super Bowl LVII.
