Texans Sign C.J. Henderson, Add Another First-Round Talent to Secondary

The Houston Texans have dipped into the pool of free agents with first-round pedigree, most recently with the signing of cornerback C.J. Henderson.

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The Houston Texans, under first-year head coach DeMeco Ryans, exceeded every expectation on their way to the AFC Divisional Round. In winning over the fanbase and establishing a new culture in H-Town, the Ryans administration has earned itself confidence.

It seems the front office’s faith in the coaching staff has bled into its crop of offseason acquisitions this winter. The biggest names – edge rusher Danielle Hunter and running back Joe Mixon – need no introduction. But some of Houston’s smaller moves, particularly in the secondary, are fairly familiar, too.

As the Texans look to improve their secondary, they have ventured into the waters of former first-round picks.

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During the legal tampering period, Houston signed cornerback Jeff Okudah, the No. 3 pick from the 2020 NFL Draft. On Thursday, Jeremy Fowler reported that C.J. Henderson agreed to terms with the Texans on a one-year deal worth up to $3.25 million.

Henderson, of course, was the No. 9 pick in 2020. Both he and Okudah fell short of expectations before being traded in the middle of their rookie contracts. They’ll now be a part of the same secondary as they attempt to jumpstart careers gone haywire.

While it may be pure coincidence that Houston is loading up on former first-round defensive backs, it wouldn’t be surprising if this was a concerted effort from general manager Nick Caserio. Early-round picks are more likely to receive multiple opportunities in the league as coaches attempt to coax out the talent that initially earned such a high-end investment. 

These two additions give Ryans three former first-round cornerbacks to work with. The most recent of which, Derek Stingley Jr., has already established himself as a plus starter. Veteran safety Jimmie Ward was a Day 1 selection, too. 

It isn’t yet clear how these acquisitions will address the hole veteran corner Steven Nelson left when he departed for free agency, or if it prevents them from acquiring more starter-level talent. 

Given Houston’s newfound string of breakouts, headlined defensively by linebacker Blake Cashman, the coaching staff has been entrusted with turning athletes with lucrative upside into functional NFL players. Their proclivity for doing more of the same in 2024 may dictate just how well the defense performs.