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The Houston Texans continue to rebuild their cornerback group mid-season. On Wednesday, the team added corner Vernon Hargreaves off of waivers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Texans claimed former Bucs’ cornerback Vernon Hargreaves on waivers, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 13, 2019
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers released Hargreaves, 24, on Tuesday, two days after benching him for what coach Bruce Arians called a “lack of hustle.”
“After thoughtful consideration over the past few weeks, Bruce and I came to the conclusion that we needed to make this change,” Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht said in a statement. “Decisions such as this are always difficult, but I felt it was in the best interest of our team to part ways with Vernon at this time and allow him to explore other opportunities. We are disappointed that it did not work out here for Vernon and we wish him continued success moving forward.”
Hargreaves, the No. 11 selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, started the season as Tampa Bay’s top cornerback. The team accepted his $9 million fifth-year option for 2020, reflecting that notion.
A former Florida Gator, Hargreaves measures in at 5-11, 204-pounds. He ran a 4.5-second 40-yard-dash at the 2016 NFL Combine.
Hargreaves has allowed a 108.6 passer rating in coverage in 2019, per Pro Football Reference. On the season, quarterbacks have thrown 578 yards and four touchdowns to the tune of a 69.1% completion rate on him, while he has reeled in one Week 1 interception.
The Texans will absorb the rest of Hargreaves’ rookie contract after claiming him on waivers. However, they are not tied down to his $9 million price tag in 2020. Unless he suffers a serious injury, the entirety of the one-year deal is not guaranteed.
Hargreaves joins a rebuilt, youth-infused cornerback group in Houston. He will join Gareon Conley, another first-round cornerback that did not last with his original NFL team.
To make room for Hargreaves, the Texans released cornerback Briean Boddy-Calhoun.
The #Texans have cut CB Briean Boddy-Calhoun. The team informed him and he’s currently packing his locker.
— Aaron Reiss (@aaronjreiss) November 13, 2019
Like Conley, Hargreaves gets a chance in Week 16 to show the Buccaneers they made a hasty mistake when the Texans play Tampa Bay on Dec. 21 at Raymond James Stadium.