Houston Texans: 5 Ways to Rationalize Johnathan Joseph Extension

Aug 25, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans cornerback Johnathan Joseph (24) reacts during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Hard To Justify

I’ve done my best to find reasons to support this extension, and there are some valid arguments you can generate. But once I got to the sixth slide, I was starting to grasp at straws, because even the whole “We want to be nice and reward players” reason just isn’t enough to be a legitimate cherry on top.

Joseph is still a good player and should maintain an above-average level of play in 2015 and 2016 despite the fact that he was picked on often last year, and his numbers could look even better now that the Texans have a significant upgrade at the free safety position. It isn’t a truly awful deal by any means, but the Texans are giving up quite a bit of money, particularly in guarantees, but at least they are in a situation where they can conceivably cut him in 2016, even if it isn’t ideal (just $2.5 million in total cap savings when you account for the $4.5 million in guarantees in 2016).

Next: The Case For Ryan Mallett

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