Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre is drawing attention as one of the team’s under-the-radar standouts. Despite an injury-shortened 2024 campaign, Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder recently dubbed Pitre the Texans’ “best-kept secret,” praising his strong play as a nickel defender. Pitre, who recently signed a three-year, $39 million extension, earned solid Pro Football Focus grades last season, excelling in run defense and recording 23 defensive stops.
Drafted 37th overall in 2022, Pitre made an instant impact as a rookie with five interceptions and 147 tackles. However, his production has declined since, with injuries limiting his availability he played 17 games in 2022, 15 in 2023, and just 12 in 2024. Despite the dip, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans remains confident in Pitre’s long-term value, calling him a high-character, team-first player with game-changing potential.
Pitre still managed 65 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, and an interception last season. The Texans are hopeful he can return to peak form as they continue building a dynamic defense anchored by young talent like Pitre and fellow 2022 draftee Derek Stingley Jr., who is trending upward with a breakout 2024 season and a recent $90 million extension.
