Texans Sign Rookie Kicker Chris Freeman: Why Houston Added Him

The Houston Texans signed rookie kicker Chris Freeman to their 90-man roster, adding a second kicker ahead of the preseason while keeping veteran Ka’imi Fairbairn as the likely long-term option. In a corresponding move, Houston released wide receiver Montrell Washington to make room. Freeman comes from four college seasons between UConn and Indiana, where he converted 23 of 26 field goals and hit all 52 extra attempts in his final UConn season, making 88.5% overall and missing no field goal for a second straight year. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said some players would be held out of Thursday’s preseason game vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, and Freeman’s first showcase is expected in that matchup at 7 p.m. CT.