Texans Re-sign Kareem Jackson; Grade and Analysis
The Houston Texans have a busy first day of the legal tampering period. First, they re-signed offensive tackle Derek Newton and now it has just been announced that they resigned cornerback Kareem Jackson.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news Saturday evening via his Twitter account:
Texans take one of the top CBs off the market, reaching agreement with Kareem Jackson on 4-year deal, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2015
Here’s some background info on what Jackson will continue to bring to the Texans defense as they continue to build one of the league’s elite units, via our staff write ups.
"Kareem Jackson has grown tremendously as a corner since he first entered the league as a first round pick in 2010. The former University of Alabama product was picked on early in his career, but he has developed into one of the better cornerbacks in the league. Opposing quarterbacks didn’t have much success throwing his way — he allowed a sparkling 74.1 quarterback rating on passes thrown into his coverage, according to Pro Football Focus. He has become a valuable part of the Texans defense and should continue to thrive in Houston with J.J. Watt wreaking havoc along the offensive line."
Jackson should continue to provide good coverage in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4 scheme. In today’s NFL, good cornerbacks are extremely valuable, and when you have one on your team it’s devastating to lose them in free agency. Assuming that Jadeveon Clowney can make a full recovery, the Texans defense should continue to make strides towards being one of leagues dominant units.
Grade: A
Top flight cornerbacks don’t grow on trees — when you have a guy who can match up against number one receivers, you have to make every effort to retain him. The Texans did a great job to make sure cornerback wasn’t a hole for them heading into free agency and the upcoming NFL Draft.
Update
Ian Rapoport delivered the financials of this deal.
CB Kareem Jackson is signing a 4-year worth $34M, source said, with $20M in guarantees. Very strong.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2015
8.5 million dollars a year is a bit much, but I still like the idea of keeping your homegrown players — especially cornerbacks. I’ll have to dock them a little bit though because the contract is a little too rich for my blood.
Updated Grade: B+
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