Littleton was released yesterday when Houston cut down to their 53-man roster. Releasing him only to re-sign him a day later was simply a procedural move as the Texans brought him back under a nearly identical contract. Littleton totaled 47 tackles, two QB hits, and two pass defenses in 2022.

Littleton signed a one-year, $2.4 million contract with the franchise in March a the opening of the league year but ultimately was held off the team’s final 53. He spent one year with the Panthers after being released by the Raiders the year prior. Also waived or released were OL Tyler Beach, DE Thomas Booker IV, WR Jalen Camp, CB Cameron Dantzler, DT Khalil Davis, OT Austin Deculus, RB Gerrid Doaks, CB Cobi Francis, DE Ali Gaye, S Brandon Hill, WR Johnny Johnson III, S Darius Joiner, TE Dalton Keene, C Jimmy Morrissey, TE Jordan Murray, DE Adedayo Odeleye, QB E.J. Perry, RB Larry Rountree, LB Garret Wallow, WR Jared Wayne, P Ty Zentner, OT Rashaad Coward, DT Byron Cowart, OL Michael Deiter, WR Adam Humphries, CB Desmond King II, LB Christian Kirksey, DE Jacob Martin, CB D’Angelo Ross, TE Mason Schreck, WR Steven Sims, TE Eric Tomlinson, TE Nick Vannett and DE Chase Winovich.

Since his second-team All-Pro year in 2018 with the Rams, Littleton has bounced around a bit and enters his age-30 season on a second consecutive one-year deal. He started seven games and had 47 tackles last season for the Panthers. Littleton probably will be a base downs linebacker for the Texans and come off the field on passing downs while Christian Harris and Christian Kirksey remain on the field. 

Littleton was a massive free-agent flop for the Raiders and was released. Carolina will attempt to rehabilitate him and middle linebacker is currently vacant with 2018 pick Jermaine Carter a free agent. Littleton enters his Age 29 season looking like he's valued purely as a stopgap.