The Houston Texans are collecting former 2020 first-round cornerbacks.
The Texans signed C.J. Henderson, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. The deal is for one year and worth up to $3.25 million, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson. Henderson had met with the Texans earlier on Thursday before the two signs agreed to a contract.
Henderson was the No. 9 pick in the 2020 draft — taken three picks after Jeff Okudah, who signed with the Texans earlier this offseason. Henderson played 10 games with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2020 to 2021 before being dealt to the Carolina Panthers early in the 2021 season. He missed the second half of his rookie year with a groin injury.
Henderson’s career production numbers haven’t been great. He tallied one interception during his time with the Jaguars before he snagged two with the Panthers in 2022. Henderson has 16 career defended passes. He started 17 games over two seasons for Carolina.
While he hasn’t been productive, Henderson fits the mold of cornerbacks head coach DeMeco Ryans likes in his secondary. He, like Okudah and 2022 first-rounder Derek Stingley Jr, is at least six feet tall and around 200 pounds. Okudah is 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, while Stingley Jr. is 6-foot and 190 pounds.
Could Okudah or Henderson solve the Texans’ hole at outside cornerback? That remains to be seen. Neither have been great starters in the NFL despite their top-10 draft status and playing on multiple teams during their careers.
At the very least, Ryans is collecting depth at a very important position with the potential to add more either in free agency, the trade market or the draft.