Houston Texans: 3 cornerback free agents that can help secondary
By Jair Lopez
The Houston Texans have struggled with inconsistency at the cornerback position for the early part of the season.
The Houston Texans secondary is off to a slow start to the season with injuries and new starters inserted into the defense. Texans’ cornerbacks currently consist of Johnathan Joseph, Lonnie Johnson Jr., Bradley Roby, Keion Crossen, Phillip Gaines, and Xavier Crawford.
The defense has allowed an average of 259 yards per game against opposing quarterbacks and surrendered five touchdowns receptions through the first four games of the regular season. Granted, the Texans have gone against Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, the defense will have to tighten things up in close games.
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Tashaun Gipson and Justin Reid’s injuries in the early portion of the preseason have played a factor in the secondary’s slow start. Meanwhile, Roby and Johnson have been put into playing positions they weren’t playing at the beginning of the season. The cornerback group can be upgraded with options available in the free agency market.
Briean Boddy-Calhoun
The Houston Texans signed cornerback Brien Boddy-Calhoun in the latter wave of the free agency period to compete for a roster spot in the secondary. A versatile defensive back capable of playing cornerback and safety, Boddy-Calhoun also can contribute on special teams.
Aaron Colvin had a solid preseason that pushed Boddy-Calhoun out of a job, but it makes sense for the Texans to consider bringing him back with Colvin no longer on the roster. Roby is currently manning the slot, but bringing back Boddy-Calhoun could put Roby back as the boundary cornerback.
E.J. Gaines
A talented cornerback, E.J. Gaines wouldn’t be in the open market if it wasn’t for an injury that sidelined him for the early portion of the season. Gaines started the preseason with the Buffalo Bills but was placed on the injured reserve with a groin injury. He earned his release through an injury settlement and can pursue an opportunity with other teams.
Starting in 38 of the 43 games he’s played, Gaines has 198 tackles, 33 pass deflections, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries. Gaines makes a lot of sense for the Texans as they reportedly were interested in him as a free agent in 2018.
Cornell Armstrong
Currently, on the Houston Texans’ practice squad, Cornell Armstrong was signed briefly to the active roster after being waived by the Miami Dolphins. Armstrong is one of the likely candidates to be brought in to the active roster as he already forms part of the team in some capacity.
Having eight tackles through 15 games last year in his rookie season, Armstrong could contribute on special teams. If the Texans believe Armstrong can make another leap in his second year, it would be beneficial to learn from veterans like Joseph and Roby.
Next. Texans sign Mike Adams to bolster safety group. dark
Texans have options to address their cornerback group and might have to make them soon if they aren’t able to fix the issues internally.