Fresh Start

A former Philadelphia Eagle’s time as a free agent has quickly come to an end.

After being released on Friday, the Houston Texans claimed former 2017 first round pick Derek Barnett off waivers on Monday afternoon, per ESPN.

Former Eagles’ defensive end Derek Barnett was claimed today on waivers by the Houston Texans, per source. pic.twitter.com/6kXOV4YQ5e

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 27, 2023

Houston’s interest in Barnett seems to date back even further prior to his waiving.

The Texans considered trading for Derek Barnett before the NFL’s Halloween trade deadline last month; instead they claimed him on waivers. https://t.co/RhwMDIXJY9

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 27, 2023

Coming back from a torn ACL in Week 1 of 2022, Barnett has recorded just three tackles during the 2023 season.

The 27-year-old edge rusher played in Philadelphia’s first eight games of ‘23 but saw his initially limited role decrease even further with the Eagles seemingly being unable to afford taking either Haason Reddick or Josh Sweat off the field for very long.

Following his release, more snaps have gone to 2023 first round pick Nolan Smith, who played a career high 11 snaps in the most recent outing against the Buffalo Bills.

The 6-5 Houston Texans team has surprisingly put themselves in position to make the playoffs as an AFC wild card. While the starters on the edges are set with Jonathan Greenard and Will Anderson on each side, Barnett joins veterans Jerry Hughes and Kerry Hyder Jr. as backups.

Under defensive coordinator Matt Burke, who coached the Eagles’ d-line in 2020, the Texans run a Wide 9 scheme that allows pass rushers to aggressively attack upfield, a scheme that Barnett had his most career success with under Jim Schwartz with a career high 6.5 sacks in 2019.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.