The Houston Texans have decided to keep at least one of their free agent cornerbacks.
On Saturday, the Texans reached an agreement to bring back cornerback Phillip Gaines on a one-year contract, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Texans have reached an agreement with veteran cornerback Phillip Gaines, a former Chiefs third-round draft pick from Rice, on a one-year veteran minimum contract, according to a league source, final total pending finalization of the collective bargaining agreement.
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2020
Gaines didn’t play in many games for the Texans in 2019, just six total and starting in two of them. However, in the biggest game of the season at that point, Week 6 at the Kansas City Chiefs, the former 2014 third-round pick from Rice collected three tackles and tipped away a pass. In Week 7 at the Indianapolis Colts, his final game of the season before sustaining a left ankle injury that ended his season.
What the Texans like about Gaines may have been seen in glimpses, but Houston believes they can get the whole package in 2020.
“He’s a guy that can play inside and outside, a guy that’s had production in the league,” coach Bill O’Brien said on Sept. 11, 2020. “He’s played for a while, smart guy, good movement skills and a versatile skillset. We’ll see how it goes this week, but I think he has a chance to help us.”
Cornerback Johnathan Joseph and the Texans mutually decided the two-time Pro Bowler would enter free agency on March 18. Houston’s other starting cornerback from last year, Bradley Roby, is also set to become a free agent.