Adding in a veteran cornerback seems to be a priority for the Houston Texans ahead of the draft.
General manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans might have found their next reclamation project.
According to reports, the Texans are hosting former Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson for a free agency visit ahead of the NFL draft.
Emerson, a former starting defender and third-round pick out of Mississippi State, suffered a torn Achilles tendon last year during training camp, but has been progressing strongly during the offseason. He’s not expected to deal with any setbacks that should keep him sidelined long for the 2026 season.
At one point, Emerson was viewed as one of the league’s more underrated defenders opposite All-Pro Denzel Ward in Jim Schwartz’s defensive look. In 2024, he recorded 80 tackles, three tackles for losses, one forced fumble and five passes defensed in 15 starts. The year before, he totaled four interceptions, helping Cleveland reach the postseason for the second time in over 20 years.
Houston needs veteran depth behind All-Pro Derek Stingley Jr. and Pro Bowler Kamari Lassiter. The Texans have second-year standout Jaylin Smith, who was promising in spurts last season before a season-ending torn meniscus sidelined him for months. His role remains undetermined entering OTAs.
If the Texans add Emerson, he likley would compete for the third corner role with Smith. Houston could also draft a cornerback in the later rounds should it miss on a free agent.
The Texans have eight draft picks later on this month in Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans host potential depth CB in former Browns starter Martin Emerson
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
