Houston Texans: 5 Ways to Rationalize Johnathan Joseph Extension

Nov 10, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) is tackled by Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) during the game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Arizona won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

One Year, $12.25 Million vs. Minimum Two Years, $18.75 Million

Before the Texans re-worked Joseph’s deal yesterday, the former Cincinnati Bengals star would have earned $12.25 million on a one-year deal, but they’ve essentially re-worked the deal to a two-year, $18.25 million contract. I know that Joseph is on the hook for $7 million in 2017, but, as I said before, none of that is guaranteed, and the Texans would have to be foolish (or Joseph would have to be amazing) in order for that amount to be paid out.

Essentially, Joseph is still a big winner in this deal no matter how you spell it, since making a little over $9 million per year is quite a coup for a cornerback of his age who is no longer a standout. Again, he’s good and brings the team important stability at an in-demand position, but you’d be crazy to argue that he’s worth paying $7 million in 2016.

By the way, how did I calculate the $18.25 million? Well, he’s going to count $11.75 million against the cap this season no matter what, and he’s guaranteed $4.5 million in 2016. He can count up to $18.75 million over two years, though, because he’ll make $7 million in 2016.

So at a minimum, he’s on a two-year deal worth $16.25 million, which is still quite a bit. But since the Texans want to reward him and keep him around for stability reasons (he had the 28th-lowest QB Rating allowed among 73 qualifiers last year), they might see it as a better deal than paying him $12.25 million over one year.

Next: The Verdict