Houston Texans: 5 Ways to Rationalize Johnathan Joseph Extension

Sep 29, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks receiver Sidney Rice (18) has a pass broken up by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) in the first quarter at Reliant Stadium. Houston Texan cornerback Johnathna Joseph (24) was flagged on the play for interference. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

A Buffer Year

I think very highly of Kevin Johnson as a prospect and believe he has the type of talent and technical ability to become a No. 1 corner in this league, but CB is a very difficult position to project both short and long-term (See: Claiborne, Morris or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, Sherman, Richard). Not every rookie CB makes an immediate impact like Jason Verrett did for the San Diego Chargers last year, and many aren’t even successes in their second season in the league.

In case Johnson takes too many lumps in his second season, the Texans now have the added security of having Joseph around for a second season in 2016. So if Johnson isn’t ready to start next year, the Texans can feel safe knowing that they’ll have a quality CB around to help Jackson out and further ease Johnson’s transition to the pros.

It’s a way of creating a buffer year to hedge their bets, even if Johnson might not need it. Joseph should still be at least an average starting CB next season, and corners are always in short supply now that the league is getting more and more stacked and deep at WR as young talents like Allen Robinson, Amari Cooper, and Donte Moncrief populate the league.

Next: One vs. Two Breakdown