Just weeks after tearing his ACL in October, Braxton Berrios is back on an NFL roster — this time with the Houston Texans. The 30-year-old wide receiver and return specialist signed a one-year deal in mid-March 2025, according to conflicting reports from PlayerProfiler and the Texans’ official site, with the contract officially dated March 14. The move, orchestrated by General Manager Nick Caserio and Head Coach DeMeco Ryans, isn’t just about filling a roster spot. It’s a calculated gamble on a player who’s been there, done that — and still has something left to give.
From Injury to Opportunity
Berrios’ 2024 season ended abruptly on October 21, when he went down during the Miami Dolphins’ Week 7 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. The diagnosis: a torn ACL. He was placed on injured reserve, effectively ending his year. But recovery moved faster than expected. By late February, reports surfaced that Berrios was cleared for full football activity. That’s when the Texans, flush with cap space after shedding contracts earlier in the offseason, made their move. The contract details are messy. PlayerProfiler reported a $1.8 million deal with $300,000 guaranteed and a $1.3 million base salary. Meanwhile, YouTube analyst Jeremy Chuggs of Texans Today by Chat Sports claimed it was a $2 million agreement. The discrepancy isn’t unusual — NFL contract reporting often varies between agencies and media outlets. What’s clear: Berrios’ value lies not in the number, but in his versatility. He’s a slot receiver who can line up anywhere, a reliable blocker, and — crucially — one of the league’s most consistent return men.A Career Built on Resilience
Born in Raleigh, North Carolina, Berrios played quarterback and receiver at Leesville Road High School before landing at the University of Miami. The New England Patriots picked him in the sixth round of the 2018 draft. He didn’t start as a star. He started as a practice squad guy. But he worked his way up. He got his first shot with the New York Jets in 2019 after being claimed off waivers. That’s where he became known for his return skills — 21 punts, four kick returns in one season. Then came the first NFL touchdown: a 30-yard pass from Sam Darnold against the 49ers in 2020. In 2022, he even threw a two-yard TD pass to Zach Wilson — yes, as a receiver. That’s the kind of creativity coaches love. His 2023 season with the Dolphins was quiet statistically — 27 catches, 238 yards, one TD — but he played all 16 games. That’s rare in the NFL. Consistency matters more than flash. And now, he’s joining a Texans offense that’s looking for exactly that: dependable hands, smart route-running, and someone who won’t break under pressure.
Why This Matters for Houston
The Texans aren’t rebuilding anymore. They’re reloading. After a surprising 12-5 season in 2023, they made the playoffs. In 2024, they fell short — partly because their receiving corps lacked depth beyond Nico Collins and Tank Dell. Enter Berrios. He won’t be the No. 1 option. But he’ll be the guy who catches the third-and-8 over the middle. The guy who blocks on outside runs. The guy who brings energy on special teams. With Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross emphasizing return game improvements, Berrios’ experience — 38 career punt returns, 23 kick returns — is gold. And here’s the twist: Berrios isn’t just a player. He’s a mentor. At 30, he’s one of the oldest receivers on the roster. He’s seen it all — injuries, benchings, trades. He’s been on teams that won and teams that lost. That’s the kind of leadership a young unit like Houston’s needs.What’s Next?
Berrios will report to training camp in late July, fully recovered from his ACL surgery. The Texans have already scheduled him to work with Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley on route combinations and situational play-calling. He’s expected to compete for the No. 3 receiver spot and be the primary punt returner, a role currently held by rookie second-round pick Jalen McMillan. If Berrios stays healthy — and that’s a big if — he could earn a raise for 2026. If he thrives, he might even become a fan favorite in Houston. After all, this city remembers players who show up when no one’s watching.
Behind the Numbers
- Contract Value: $1.8M–$2M (discrepancy between sources)- Guaranteed Money: $300,000
- Base Salary (2025): $1.3M
- Cap Hit: $1.67M (0.60% of Texans’ cap)
- Career Receptions: 146
- Career Receiving Yards: 1,289
- Career Touchdowns: 7 (5 receiving, 1 rushing, 1 passing)
- Punt Return Yards: 378 (38 returns)
- Key Injury: Torn ACL, October 21, 2024, vs. Colts
- Agent: Drew Rosenhaus, Rosenhaus Sports
It’s not a blockbuster signing. But in the NFL, sometimes the quietest moves are the ones that make the biggest difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Berrios’ ACL injury affect his chances of contributing in 2025?
Berrios was cleared for full football activity by late February 2025, and the Texans’ medical staff confirmed he’s ahead of typical ACL recovery timelines. His 2023 season — playing all 16 games despite a reduced role — proves his durability. He’s expected to be ready for training camp and likely won’t miss any preseason action. His return specialist role requires less cutting than wide receiver duties, which helps his transition.
Why did the Texans pick Berrios over younger receivers?
While Houston drafted Jalen McMillan and signed undrafted free agents, they needed immediate reliability. Berrios has eight years of NFL experience, knows complex route systems, and has proven he can handle high-pressure situations. Younger players are still developing; Berrios is a plug-and-play option who can mentor rookies while contributing on special teams and in the slot.
What’s his role on special teams?
Berrios is expected to be the primary punt returner, replacing Jalen McMillan in that role early in the season. He’s returned 38 punts for 378 yards in his career, with a 9.9-yard average — above league average. He’s also handled kick returns, making him a dual-threat option. His awareness and timing in traffic are elite, which is critical for avoiding big hits.
How does this signing affect the Texans’ salary cap?
Berrios’ $1.67 million cap hit is just 0.60% of Houston’s $278 million cap in 2025. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move. The Texans cleared over $40 million in cap space earlier this offseason by releasing veterans like Christian Kirk and trading away draft picks. This signing uses a fraction of that space — and adds immediate value without long-term commitment.
Is there a chance Berrios could play quarterback again?
Unlikely. He threw a TD pass to Zach Wilson in 2022 — a trick play in a garbage-time situation — but that was a one-off. The Texans have no plans to use him as a QB. His value is strictly as a receiver and returner. Still, his quarterback background gives him an edge in reading defenses and understanding timing routes, which helps him connect better with quarterbacks like C.J. Stroud.
What’s the history between Berrios and the Texans’ coaching staff?
None directly. But Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley have both expressed a preference for veteran, coachable players who fit their culture. Berrios’ reputation as a team-first guy — no drama, no social media distractions — aligns perfectly with what Ryans has built in Houston. He’s the kind of player coaches trust to do his job without needing to be micromanaged.
