The Texans have hammered out a two-year, $7 million contract for veteran cornerback Desmond King with $3.5 million guaranteed, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus.
The Texans have been working on this deal for weeks and it was always expected to be finalized, and now King is back with the AFC South franchise for his second season.
King was shifted from his typical slot role to outside corner in 2021. However, he could return to the more natural nickel spot this season if he works out his contract. Additionally, King can operate as a kick returner. He is well-suited for Lovie Smith’s trademark Cover 2 scheme and intercepted 3 passes last year.
The former Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro selection and Iowa standout has 7 career interceptions. He has also played for the Tennessee Titans and joined the Texans on a one-year, $5 million contract last year.
“You’re talking about a guy who hasn’t played [outside] corner since college,” Texans cornerbacks coach Dino Vasso said. “He took the move pretty well. Obviously, it’s not an easy transition, and I think if you polled everyone in this room and you asked what is Des’ optimal position, most would say nickel.
“But he was encouraged by that. He embraced it, and he did what was best for the team, and not necessarily what was best for Desmond King, and you win with football players like that.”
King intercepted his third pass of the season during a 23-7 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
“It is just simple,” King said after the 49ers game. “This defense is like a machine. Everybody has a job, everybody has what they need to do, and as long as they do that and take care of it, this defense can be unstoppable. We have seen it a couple games before just shutting people out and getting turnovers, and that is simply because guys are doing their jobs and being in the right place.”
Aaron Wilson is a Pro Football Network reporter and analyst and a contributor to Sports Talk 790.