Kamu

Grugier-Hill

Grugier-Hill appeared in all 17 games for the Panthers in 2023 and was credited with five starts. He logged one interception, one sack, and a pair of TFLs. Grugier-Hill was also a key special teamer in Carolina, logging 297 special teams snaps last year. The journeyman linebacker will turn 30 before the start of the season but is still a serviceable backup and spot-starter when needed.

After begging for his release from Houston at midseason following the Jack Easterby firing, Grugier-Hill caught on with the Cardinals and played just 56 defensive snaps in nine games. He figures to be depth and work on special teams in Carolina.

He’ll provide depth and special teams experience to the Cardinals. Grugier-Hill was a boom-bust gap-shooting run defender for the Texans before asking for his release, so it makes sense the aggressive Cardinals would see him as a fit in their scheme.

The 28-year-old veteran reportedly asked for and was granted his release from Houston. He played just 32% of the defensive snaps last week against the Raiders after being an every-down player at the start of the year. Grugier-Hill will likely look for a contender to join for the second half of the season.

Grugier-Hill will make only $750K more than last season coming off a year where he had 13 tackles for loss and was generally the best Texans off-ball linebacker. Grugier-Hill, Christian Kirksey, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin for two spots will be an interesting camp battle for IDP purposes.

Houston also placed S A.J. Moore and DL DeMarcus Walker on the list after adding LB Kamu Grugier-Hill to the COVID list earlier in the week. Like many teams in the NFL, the Texans are going to have to turn to their depth this week.

He’s reportedly dealing with a knee injury after popping off the tape with nine tackles (including three for losses), one sack, and a forced fumble in Week 2 against the Browns. Zach Cunningham and Christian Kirksey will instead start in Houston’s front-seven with Joe Thomas backing them up. Safety Justin Reid, who has intercepted two passes with one forced fumble in the team’s first two games, is also expected to miss Thursday with a knee injury.

Grugier-Hill was drafted by new Texans GM Nick Caserio, and the 27-year-old inside linebacker prioritized finding a starting job this free agency. Like many veterans are expected to do, Grugier-Hill signed a one-year contract in hopes of securing more long-term money when the salary cap increases next season. The Texans’ linebacker group is still among the league’s worst.

Dolphins coach Brian Flores was with the Pats when they drafted Grugier-Hill, but the linebacker never played a down in New England. He has been with the Eagles since 2016, making 16 starts over the past two years. Grugier-Hill has positional versatility in the linebacker corps, though he dealt with both knee and and back issues last season. Grugier-Hill also figures to be a core special teamer in Miami.

He’s head for surgery. Grugier-Hill started Weeks 7-13 at middle linebacker for DC Jim Schwartz after the team cut LB Zach Brown. Grugier-Hill played 300 snaps on the year, receiving plus marks for his run defense. He’s scheduled for free agency in March.