Veteran linebacker Daren Bates is staying in AFC South. After his three-year stint with the Tennessee Titans came to an end earlier this year, Bates will now suit up for the Houston Texans in 2020 NFL season.
Bates previously spent several days working out for the Texans and managed to turn the visit into a one-year deal. The team’s head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien confirmed the move in a recent chat with reporters, while also announcing the addition of long snapper Anthony Kukwa and departure of linebacker Jan Johnson.
During his time with the Titans, Bates played mostly on special teams and contributed with double digits in tackles in the last two years. He was especially disruptive in 2019 when he had 10 tackles, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Texans are expected to use Bates as a special-teamer as well, although it wouldn’t be surprising if he ends up lining on the defensive end of the ball in case of injuries. While in Tennessee, he had 51 snaps on defense.
Bates, who entered the league in 2013 as an undrafted free agent out of Auburn, has also played with LA Rams and Oakland Raiders over the course of his career.
