HOUSTON – The Texans are signing former San Francisco 49ers safety Jimmie Ward, according to a league source.
Ward is a former 49ers fourth-round draft pick who has played cornerback and free safety.
Reuniting with DeMeco Ryans, Ward, 31, is a rangy 5-foot-11, 195-pound veteran starter.
He has recorded 451 career tackles, seven interceptions, including three interceptions last season, and five forced fumbles. He has defended 44 career passes. Ward wasn’t happy about playing nickel last season, preferring to line up at his natural free safety position.
He was activated from injured reserve in October and shifted to nickel as Tashaun Gipson delivered a strong season.
The Texans are also signing former Denver Broncos fullback-tight end Andrew Beck to a two-year, $6.75 million deal with $4 million guaranteed, according to a league source.
Beck, 26, played collegiately at Texas and was an All-Big 12 selection
The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder has run the 40-yard dash in 4.63 seconds.
He has 14 career receptions for 159 yards and one touchdown.
He caught five passes for 69 yards last season.
He started four of 13 games and played 68 percent of the special teams snaps.
Aaron Wilson is a contributor to Sports Talk 790.
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