Cornerback David Amerson visits with Texans in Houston
Free agent cornerback David Amerson visited with the Houston Texans earlier this week. Ian Rapoport tweeted the news Monday.
Free agent CB David Amerson, a rare veteran available in February, is visiting the #Texans today, source says. He’s got 3 more visits this week after that one, had a full week last week.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2018
Per Rapoport’s report Houston is just one of several teams that Amerson is visiting. Also noteworthy is the fact that Amerson is a veteran defensive back available in February. Other big name free agent defensive backs are subject to the normal free agent process. This means that Amerson will have the advantage of visiting teams before other free agents.
Amerson only appeared in six games in 2017. Due to a foot injury, Amerson missed the final nine games of the season. Amerson failed to record an interception in 2017 but did successfully defend four passes. To get a more accurate picture of Amerson, evaluating his 2015 and 2016 seasons in Oakland is a necessity. In 29 games Amerson intercepted six passes and defended 41 passes. One of the interceptions resulted in a touchdown. This is the type of production teams are looking for in a cornerback.
The Houston defense was not a good unit in 2017. Several key injuries hampered the defense. In addition to injuries, departures of key players also caused the defense to take a step back. A.J. Bouye and Quintin Demps both left for greener pastures in free agency. Their absences had a drastic effect on the Texans defense as they were one of the worst units against the pass last season.
David Amerson or Malcolm Butler?
Of course given the option Houston would rather have Malcolm Butler. However Butler might not be available for the Texans to sign. There is the possibility Butler remains in New England or ends up elsewhere. In that case Amerson would be the concession prize. Vontae Davis should also be considered for a role in the Texans secondary.
Signing Amerson would need to be one of several moves in free agency for the Texans. This is not a knock against Amerson but just the fact that Houston needs help all over the place in their secondary. Amerson also needs to show he can bounce back and recover from last year. Houston would be making a wise move if they ended up signing Amerson.