Houston Texans pull the plug on the Vernon Hargreaves experiment

The Houston Texans released cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III after picking him up in the middle of the 2019 season.

The Houston Texans announced the decision to move forward without cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III as they enter the 2020 offseason. It was always a possibility the Texans could part ways with Hargreaves after he was slated to get paid north of $9 million in the fifth-year option of his rookie-scale contract.

The Texans had the choice to keep Hargreaves in his previous contract after claiming him off waivers with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers releasing him midseason. Hargreaves’ was far from a sure thing on the field for the Texans beyond the 2019 season, but he showed the athleticism to handle the slot position in the secondary.

Hargreaves has had a tough time acclimating to the NFL level after being drafted 11th overall by the Buccaneers in 2016. A great athlete at a very coveted position, Hargreaves could still have suitors around the league as he has a shot to sign with a team before the free agency period begins on March 18th.

The Texans are moving into the offseason with Gareon Conley, Lonnie Johnson, Keion Crossen, Cornell Armstrong, and Anthony Chesley after waiving Hargreaves. Meanwhile, Johnathan Joseph and Bradley Roby will be hitting free agency with their contracts expiring at the start of the new season.

With Hargreaves’ departure, the Texans will be in the market for another cornerback that can play snaps at the slot. With limited draft picks, the Texans could sign a couple of defensive backs depending on which players they decide to retain.