Houston Texans claim Derek Barnett on waivers following defensive end's release from the Philadelphia Eagles... having considered trading him before last month's deadline

The Houston Texans have claimed defensive end Derek Barnett on waivers following his release from the Philadelphia Eagles. 

Barnett was selected by the Eagles with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and had started 45 of his 73 career games with the Eagles. 

During that time, he recorded 150 tackles, 37, tackles for loss, and 21.5 sacks.

Throughout his eight appearances this year Barnett accumulated only three tackles. 

After being released in Philadelphia he is now heading to Houston, who hold a 6-5 record, where the 27-year-old will be expected to provide a boost on defense ahead of the looming late-season playoff push.

Despite giving up a respectable 21.1 points per game on defense, Houston currently ranks 25th in the NFL in sacks with only 24 for the entire season.

After not being able to carve out a role in the Eagles incredibly deep defensive line the former Tennessee Volunteer will hope to thrive in a much bigger role for the Texans.  

Barnett never lived up to his lofty draft status in Philadelphia and dealt with several injuries during his time with the Eagles.

He appeared in only one game last season after suffering a torn ACL during the season-opening in over the Detroit Lions and missed the final nine games of the 2018 season after tearing his rotator cuff.

In a statement initially released after Graham was waived from the roster the Eagles said: 'The Eagles organization would like to thank Derek for his contributions to this team over the last seven seasons.'

'As a rookie, Derek made one of the most memorable plays in our Super Bowl victory over the Patriots. He has been a great teammate who always played with high energy and effort. We wish Derek nothing but the best.'