HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610) -- For the most part, the Texans are returning a defensive unit that struggled to sack quarterbacks and also ranked 29th in pass defense.
The only major differences in personnel are losing nose tackle D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency; the mutual parting of ways with longtime cornerback Johnathan Joseph (now with the rival Tennessee Titans); and releasing starting safety Tashaun Gipson, who quickly signed with the Chicago Bears.
Replacing Gipson is Eric Murray, who is entering his fifth season after three with the Kansas City Chiefs and one with the Cleveland Browns.
The Texans signed Murray this offseason to a three-year contract worth $18 million and $10.75 million guaranteed.
Head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien has described Murray as a good pro who adds versatility to the secondary. Murray has played in the deep part of the field, down in the box, been a personal protector on the punt team and on kickoff coverage as well.
Murray and Justin Reid are paired together at safety in certain packages, O'Brien said. In other packages, both are doing something different.
When asked how the two complement each other, Murray told SportsRadio 610 that Reid is "more of an enforcer type," while Murray is "more of a covering type."
Reid later agreed on Twitter, likening the duo to "lightning and thunder."
"He's had a versatile type of career and he's a very smart guy. I think he can fill a lot of different roles for us," O'Brien said of Murray on Saturday. "We have a lot of different packages on defense where he's going to be in there quite a bit and then he's going to help us on special teams."
Weaver is a big fan of defensive players who double up on special teams. It's what he loves so much about backup safety A.J. Moore, who's been impressive at training camp.
Murray, Weaver said, is an incredible communicator who's been in a number of schemes, allowing him to handle as much information as coaches can throw at him.
Murray anticipates his versatility, having played some cornerback as well, will allow the Texans to move him around and confuse offenses
"Whatever possibilities we have, I think it's really limitless," Murray said Monday of his pairing with Reid. "We're just learning new stuff and really getting a feel for each other. I feel like once we really click and get our comradery down as a group, it'll be real good."
