The Houston Texans have released cornerback Kevin Johnson after a lost season due to injuries, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Johnson, a first-round draft pick of the Texans in 2015, played only game during the 2018 season. The Texans looked for buyers, but not teams were interesting in trading for Johnson as the free agency period rapidly approaches on March 13.
Initially, it looked like Johnson would have a big future with the Texans. He played in all 16 games as a rookie and made 10 starts in the defensive backfield. Johnson accounted for 52 tackles and 1 interception during his rookie season. Unfortunately, he never made a real impact after year one.
Johnson has played in a total of 35 games. Meaning, he’s missed 29 games over the last three seasons. With a fifth-year option worth $9.069 million coming in March, the Texans declined to pay for his services. Furthermore, it means Johnson should be fully healthy at the start of training camp. As a result, he should find plenty of suitors to resurrect his career next season.
Johnson was placed on IR due to concussions in September. He never returned to the field as the Texans turned their slow start into an AFC South Division crown. Although they finished with an (11-5) record, the Texans lost a home wildcard playoff game to division rival Indianapolis Colts.
The Texans produced 15 interceptions last season. Twelve of the takeaways were forced by the defensive backs. Tyrann Mathieu, Kareem Jackson and Johnathan Joseph finished with two interceptions apiece. Safeties Justin Reid and Andre Hal led the Texans with three interceptions each.
Johnson completed his Texans’ tenure with 122 tackles, 14 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 1 fumble recovery. He should have an opportunity to revamp his career going forward. Still, it’s very important for the Johnson to remain healthy for a full season. Otherwise, he won’t become the promising player the NFL saw during his rookie year.
