Hurricanes in the NFL: Braxton Berrios Signs 1-Year Deal with the Houston Texans

In a thrilling turn of events, Braxton Berrios, one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the NFL, has signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans. Known for his explosive speed, sharp route-running, and reliability in the return game, Berrios has made a name for himself as a versatile and exciting player. His move to Houston represents a fresh start and an opportunity for the Texans to strengthen their receiving corps as they continue their rebuild and development under head coach DeMeco Ryans.

Early Life and College Career

Braxton Berrios was born on October 6, 1996, in Miami, Florida. Growing up in a city known for its vibrant football culture, Berrios was immersed in the sport from a young age. He attended Miami’s Gulliver Preparatory School, where he showcased his talents as a wide receiver and kick returner. His high school success set the stage for a promising college career, and Berrios ultimately chose to play for the University of Miami Hurricanes.

At the University of Miami, Berrios quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting and reliable players on the team. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 190 pounds, Berrios may not have had the imposing physical stature of some of his peers, but he made up for it with his exceptional football IQ, quickness, and an innate ability to make plays in key moments. Over the course of his college career, Berrios amassed 1,169 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, and he earned the 2017 ACC Specialist of the Year award for his proficiency in both the receiving and return game.

His time at Miami not only solidified his status as a top-tier receiver but also set the foundation for his entry into the NFL. Berrios was known for his ability to run crisp routes, his work ethic, and his leadership on and off the field. These qualities made him an attractive prospect for NFL teams, and he ultimately declared for the NFL Draft after his junior season.

The NFL Draft and New England Patriots

Despite his impressive college career, Braxton Berrios faced challenges leading up to the 2018 NFL Draft. Many teams questioned whether his lack of size would hinder his ability to succeed at the professional level. Still, Berrios’s talent was undeniable, and the New England Patriots saw an opportunity to bring in a skilled, versatile receiver with strong special teams ability. In the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Berrios was selected by the Patriots with the 210th overall pick.

Berrios’s journey with the Patriots started with high hopes, but it didn’t take long for him to face the harsh realities of professional football. The Patriots are known for their emphasis on team-oriented play and attention to detail, and Berrios quickly had to adapt to the demanding nature of playing under Bill Belichick. In his rookie season, Berrios was primarily a practice squad player, and he was placed on injured reserve after suffering an injury that limited his playing time. Nevertheless, his time with the Patriots allowed him to learn from one of the best organizations in the NFL, and he began to develop the skills and mentality that would serve him well in the years to come.

Rising with the New York Jets

In 2019, Braxton Berrios was waived by the Patriots, and he was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets. The move to New York marked the beginning of a new chapter in Berrios’s NFL career. In New York, Berrios finally had the chance to play a more prominent role on offense and special teams. Over the next few seasons, Berrios emerged as one of the Jets’ most reliable and explosive players.

In 2020, Berrios became a key part of the Jets’ offense, particularly in the slot position. He finished the season with 37 receptions for 394 yards and a touchdown, showing his ability to make an impact on offense. Additionally, Berrios’s exceptional skills as a return specialist were on full display, as he made several highlight-reel plays in the return game. His versatility—being able to contribute both as a receiver and as a returner—made him one of the most valuable players on the Jets’ roster, despite the team’s struggles during that time.

Berrios’s breakout year came in 2021, when he truly began to garner national attention. He had a career-high 46 receptions for 431 yards and two touchdowns. His continued excellence on special teams, particularly in the return game, further solidified his status as one of the most electrifying players in the league. He had a knack for finding the open field and making defenders miss, which made him a constant threat whenever the ball was in his hands.

While the Jets struggled to find sustained success during Berrios’s tenure, he remained a bright spot on the team. His ability to make plays on offense, as well as his contribution to special teams, earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans. By the time Berrios became a free agent in 2022, he had firmly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic role players.

Free Agency and the Houston Texans

In March 2023, Braxton Berrios became a free agent once again, and his future in the NFL was uncertain. With the Jets having moved on from Berrios in favor of other offensive weapons, the question of where he would land next loomed large. As free agency unfolded, it was clear that Berrios’s skills and versatility were in high demand, and it was not long before the Houston Texans made their move.

The Texans, who were in the midst of a rebuild, saw Berrios as a perfect fit for their offensive scheme. Under the leadership of head coach DeMeco Ryans, the Texans were looking to add players who could bring energy, leadership, and playmaking ability to a young and developing roster. Berrios’s ability to contribute both in the passing game and on special teams made him an ideal candidate to bolster the Texans’ receiving corps and add an extra dimension to their return game.

In March 2025, Braxton Berrios signed a one-year deal with the Houston Texans, marking the next step in his NFL journey. The contract, worth $5 million, is seen as a high-risk, high-reward move for the Texans. While Berrios has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, the question remains whether he can remain consistent and continue to produce at a high level in a new system.

Impact on the Houston Texans

Braxton Berrios’s arrival in Houston is significant for several reasons. First, his presence adds depth to the Texans’ receiving corps, which has been one of the weaker areas of the team in recent years. With a young quarterback at the helm, it’s crucial for the Texans to surround their signal-caller with reliable and dynamic playmakers. Berrios’s ability to create separation and make plays after the catch will provide a valuable asset to the Texans’ offense.

Additionally, Berrios’s experience as a returner could prove to be invaluable for the Texans’ special teams unit. Houston has struggled in the return game in recent years, and Berrios’s ability to change the field position and provide a spark on special teams could give the Texans a significant advantage in key situations. His speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon in the open field, and he is capable of turning any kickoff or punt return into a potential touchdown.

Perhaps most importantly, Berrios’s leadership and work ethic will be critical in helping to foster the growth and development of the Texans’ younger players. The Texans are in the midst of a rebuilding process, and having a veteran like Berrios in the locker room can provide invaluable guidance for the team’s up-and-coming players. His mentality and approach to the game can serve as an example for young players who are still learning the ropes of the NFL.

The Texans are also looking for consistency on offense, and Berrios’s experience could play a vital role in helping to stabilize the team’s passing attack. While he may not be a true number-one receiver, Berrios’s versatility allows him to be utilized in multiple ways—whether as a slot receiver, a deep threat, or as a player in motion to create mismatches. His ability to fill various roles on offense gives the Texans more flexibility as they continue to shape their offensive identity.

The Future of Braxton Berrios in Houston

Looking ahead, the future of Braxton Berrios in Houston remains uncertain. While his one-year deal is an excellent opportunity for both him and the team, the Texans will have to decide whether to retain him for the long term after the 2025 season. Berrios will have the chance to prove his worth in Houston’s system, and his performance in the 2025 season will likely determine whether the Texans choose to extend his contract.

For Berrios, the move to Houston is a chance to revitalize his career and show that he can be a consistent contributor at the NFL level. If he can continue to be a reliable target in the passing game and make an impact on special teams, he will likely earn a more permanent spot in Houston’s long-term plans. However, the NFL is a business, and nothing is guaranteed, especially for a player who has faced challenges in finding a long-term home in the league.

At 28 years old, Berrios is entering the prime of his career, and his speed and explosiveness should still be valuable assets in the coming years. Whether or not he becomes a key piece of the Texans’ future will depend on his ability to stay healthy, continue to produce, and adapt to the team’s evolving offensive system

Braxton Berrios’s move to the Houston Texans is an exciting development for both the player and the team. His versatility, leadership, and playmaking ability bring a much-needed spark to the Texans’ roster as they continue to build for the future. Berrios’s career thus far has been one of perseverance and adaptability, and this one-year deal with the Texans represents a new chapter in his NFL journey.

While the road ahead is filled with uncertainty, there is no doubt that Berrios will bring his best effort to Houston and continue to show the world why he is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the NFL. Whether as a receiver, a returner, or a leader in the locker room, Braxton Berrios is poised to make a significant impact on the Houston Texans and contribute to the team’s efforts to return to prominence in the NFL.