Texans reach 1-year contract agreement with DT Tim Jernigan

The Houston Texans have reportedly agreed a deal with Super Bowl winning defensive tackle Tim Jernigan.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Houston Texans have reached an agreement to sign veteran defensive tackle Tim Jernigan. The former Baltimore Ravens second-round pick has agreed to a one-year $3.75 million deal with $1.25 million guaranteed.

After spending the last three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jernigan moves to Houston with a Super Bowl LII ring and a PFWA All-Rookie team credit.

The Jernigan signing represents a low-risk, high reward addition to the lineup. After losing D.J. Reader to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency, the Texans were faced with a gaping hole on their defensive front. If nothing else, Jernigan can act as an experienced voice for whichever DT they draft (assuming they do) thanks to his six seasons in the league.

Having only played a full 16 game season once, Jernigan’s career has been plagued by injuries the last few years meaning that he has played just 13 games across the last two seasons. However, with 17.5 sacks he brings pass-rushing prowess and a strong run-stopping reputation. If he can get back to full health, he would be a quality starter and solves a desperate need for Anthony Weaver’s defense.

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Could the Seahawks should pursue free agent DT Tim Jernigan?

The Seattle Seahawks look for veteran defensive tackles on the open market, and former Eagles DT Tim Jernigan looks like the perfect fit.

Every year, the Seattle Seahawks acquire a veteran defensive tackle to compete for a backup role as a run-stuffer on the interior.

Recent pickups include Shamar Stephen, Sheldon Richardson, Tom Johnson and Al Woods. Now, with Woods signing with the Jaguars, the Seahawks will once again look for someone to back up Jarran Reed and Poona Ford up front, and possibly provide some mentorship to younger defensive tackles like Bryan Mone and Demarcus Christmas in training camp.

One such option still on the board is former Eagles DT Tim Jernigan.

Jernigan, 27, spent the last three seasons manning the frontline for Philadelphia, although injuries limited him to just 10 games last year and only three in 2018.

The former second round pick back in 2014 never lived up to that billing, but he does have a sturdy reputation as a run-stuffer on the interior, and has 17.5 career sacks to his name in 71 games played.

Jernigan would be a camp body who has a good chance of winning a coveted role on Seattle’s line next season.

A contract with little to no guaranteed money and incentives for playing time might be the perfect fit for a Seattle team who needs more depth up front.

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