Battle Red Blog
We get to the last of our series on possible free agency additions prior to training camp. Just as a reminder, I am not advocating for any specific position to be added. In point of fact, the Texans probably can add only one significant player and that has to come at the right price. We have already looked at defensive ends, running backs, and wide receivers. So, before we look at the names we should probably look at the whys and what fors for cornerback.
In short, a general managers job is to minimize risk. They are supposed to pool as many resources as they possibly can to get as many good players as they can on the roster. The Texans starting defense is pretty well set. There will be some competition inside on the defensive line, but even then there isn’t much drama. They will have a rotation between three or four guys at the defensive tackle position.
The Texans might have the best cornerback duo in football. Both Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter played at a Pro Bowl level last season. The question remains though, what happens if one of them goes down to injury? The backups are currently young and unproven, so bringing in a veteran to serve as a backup in those situations makes some sense. Of course, that always depends on who is available and at what price. So, let me give you the three nominees and you can decide if corner is a position the Texans should target.
Key Stats: 1 interception, 7 passes defended
PFF: 53.2 overall, 52.6 coverage
There is a reason why trades don’t happen nearly as often in the NFL as they do in baseball and basketball. The Commanders traded for Lattimore in 2024 and he almost immediately got hurt. Prior to the trade, he was one of the top corners in the league. So, the trade was not unlike the Indianapolis Colts getting Sauce Gardner last season. The Saints ended up fleecing the Commanders and now Lattimore is looking for a new job.
There are numeous reasons not to sign Lattimore and one good reason to sign him. When players are returning from major injury, it usually takes them more than one season to get back to where they were. 2026 would be the second season back and so it could be a calculated risk to sign him. No one that is waiting into June really has much a leg to stand on in terms of demanding a lot of money. Houston might be a perfect situation for a reboot. He won’t be expected to start, so they can limit his exposure and manage his opportunities.
Key Stats: 0 interceptions, 0 passes defended
PFF: 58.7 overall, 64.6 coverage
Like his brother, Diggs comes with some baggage and it always depends on whether he takes the baggage with him and if you want to deal with that baggage. He was cut from the Cowboys...
