The Houston Texans continued their re-signing of their own free agents on Saturday. After the news that the Texans agreed to terms with offensive tackle Derek Newton, they also did the same with cornerback Kareem Jackson.
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
The deal for the young 26-year old corner is reported as being a four-year, $34 million contract. With $20 million of that deal being guaranteed.
Jackson was important for the Texans to re-sign as a cornerstone of their defensive backfield. A former first round pick out of Alabama in 2010, the now sixth-year veteran has been a model of consistency for Houston’s defense.
Last season, Jackson recorded 57 total tackles, nine passes defended and three interceptions. The veteran corner expressed his wishes to return to Houston last month.
"“I’d love to be back here,” Jackson told ESPN.com’s Tania Ganguli. “What coach (Bill) O’Brien has brought here with the coaches and stuff like that, with the system and stuff like that, I definitely want to be a part of what’s starting to happen last year and progressing into the future.”"
Jackson is one of the best young cornerbacks in the NFL and was expected to be a top-tier free agent next week. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the 11th best in the league last season. That’s a far cry from his 81st ranking in 2013.
For Jackson, it just feels good to be back in Houston.
Kareem Jackson: "It feels good. The weight is released off of my shoulders. Feels good that I know I'll be back in Houston." #Texans
— Brian T. Smith (@ChronBrianSmith) March 7, 2015