Texans Re-Sign Cornerback Desmond King

The Houston Texans are bringing back starting nickel defender Desmond King for the 2024 season.

Desmond King is back in Houston for another year. 

The Houston Texans and the veteran defensive back have agreed to terms on a one-year, $1.8 million deal with a maximum value of $2.2 million, according to KPRC2 Sports. 

King, 29, joined the Texans initially in 2021 under David Culley. He re-signed a two-year, $7 million deal in 2022 once Lovie Smith was named head coach, but was released during the final cuts of the preseason last August.

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King rejoined the Texans after playing partially for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a key figure on the AFC South champion defense after starting nickel defender Tavierre Thomas suffered a season-ending injury. The former Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro defensive back finished with 47 tackles, one sack, one fumble recovery, five tackles for losses and two quarterback hits.

Drafted out of Iowa in 2017, King has 473 tackles, nine interceptions, three forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, and two touchdowns with two punt returns for a score in seven seasons. 

King is the fifth Texans player to re-sign since the start of the offseason. Tight end Dalton Schultz agreed to terms on a three-year, $36 million deal prior to the franchise tag deadline. 

Kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn agreed to terms on a three-year, $15.9 million deal earlier this week. Defensive backs Kris Boyd and Eric Murray agreed to terms Saturday on one-year contracts, as well. 

Texans Re-Sign Safety Eric Murray

Free agency begins on March 13. The legal tampering period begins on March 11, when teams are allowed to speak and come to terms on long-term deals with impending free agents.