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According to Ian Rapoport, the Texans have released cornerback Kevin Johnson.
Source: The #Texans have released former first-round CB Kevin Johnson. A talented corner available before free agency.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2019
Johnson, the Texans’ first-round draft pick in 2015, played in just one game for the Texans last season before heading to injured reserve with a concussion.
In his four NFL seasons, Johnson’s Texans career was headlined by injuries, most notably concussions. After playing in all 16 games in his rookie season, Johnson missed 29 of a possible 48 games from 2016-2018.
The Texans picked up the fifth-year option on Johnson’s rookie contract before last season, hoping he would rebound and showcase the potential he displayed in his rookie season. Unfortunately for both parties, it never materialized.
In recent days, the Texans sought trade partners for Johnson, but his release today shows that they were unsuccessful in finding a team that was willing to part with an asset to acquire the former Wake Forest star.
Johnson, 26, would have made $9.069 million in 2019 had he made the 53-man roster, a price the Texans evidently felt was not worth his value.
Johnson’s release heightens the urgency for the Texans to sign and draft additional cornerbacks this offseason.