Houston Texans: 10 under-the-radar NFL free agent targets
By Avery Duncan
10. Steven Nelson, CB, Kansas City Chiefs
No cornerback was targeted more times in coverage than Steven Nelson of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2018. Despite being targeted eight times as much as any cornerback per Pro Football Focus, he had a career year, allowing a 76.8 passer rating and a 53.1 catch percentage.
Although Nelson played in one of the worst pass defenses in NFL history, it didn’t stop him from putting up impressive numbers. He tallied career-high numbers nearly across the board in his fourth season as he had 68 combined tackles, 15 pass deflections and four interceptions on the year. Nelson also had a career-best PFF grade of 72.1, good for 33rd in the NFL among eligible cornerbacks.
Nelson brings a lot to the table, but none more important to the Houston Texans than being a true outside cornerback that can guard deep down the field and make plays on the ball. While his game is far from complete, he is only 26 years old, meaning he has plenty of time to continue to develop.
According to Spotrac estimates, Nelson’s 2019 payday could be near $48 million over five years, which would be good for 16th in the NFL among active cornerbacks and affordable to the Texans as they try to become a little younger in the secondary.