Right before the start of the 2025 NFL season, the Houston Texans signed backup quarterback Davis Mills to a one-year extension.
Initially, it was an interesting move, given that the Texans had just drafted Graham Mertz in the sixth round of the 2025 draft. That pick seemed to signal Mills’ time in Houston was coming to an end, but the franchise opted to give him one more season. That belief in the backup may have saved the Texans’ season as they fight for their playoff lives.
Rose to the Occasion
When CJ Stroud went down with a concussion against the Denver Broncos, Mills stepped in and did his best to keep the Texans in the game, but the team ultimately lost 18-15.
Houston entered a dire situation going into the next three games with a 3-5 record, and seemingly written off. While it was not pretty, Mills, with the pressure of keeping the season alive, rose to the occasion.
In the three games that Mills started, he had six total touchdowns, one interception, and 719 passing yards. He never let the pressure get to him— he made the plays when it mattered most and, most importantly, didn’t make mistakes that hurt the team.
https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1987631903587938724
Potential Season Hero
The Texans are above .500 for the first time this season, thanks to Mills.
Had he not risen to the occasion, the season could be over. Instead, they are staring Indianapolis in the face with momentum as Stroud works his way back from the concussion protocol. If the Texans go on to make the playoffs or end the season above .500, Mills will be seen as the season hero.
He did exactly what you want out of your backup: to come in and keep the ship afloat. Not many backups can keep the team stable, and ripping off a three-game winning streak to keep the Texans alive in the playoff race cannot be overlooked.
Mills gave the Texans a fighting chance. It is up to Stroud to pick back up and keep pushing it forward.
Davis Mills proved to the Texans that extending him one more year and showing faith in him was worth it.
https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1991751573115113911
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